Hinkel cannot fathom Celtic's bad form

Defender Andreas Hinkel is at a loss to explain Celtics’s recent dismal form.

The Clydesdale Bank Premier League champions have let slip a seven-point lead over rivals Rangers and find themselves trailing the Ibrox club on goal difference following their 1-1 draw at Motherwell on Sunday.

With one win in their last six SPL games, the pressure on Gordon Strachan’s side is steadily mounting but while Hinkel accepts there has been an inexplicable dip in form, he is confident the Parkhead side can recover to take their fourth title in a row.

“When you look at the games over the last few weeks, maybe things just haven’t been going for us,” he told the Celtic View.

“Sometimes you can’t explain why results don’t go your way.

“The Motherwell game was a perfect example, they scored with their only shot.

“In the past, Motherwell have played better against us, but we have won.

“And against Aberdeen, set-pieces let us down.”

Hinkel, however, believes Celtic are still in the driving seat to retain the title despite different circumstances to last term.

“We would rather still have a good lead just now, but I don’t think you can compare this season to last year’s run-in,” he added.

“We were seven points behind and had to win every single game. At the moment, it’s a different situation.

“Only goal difference separates us and we still have to play Rangers in the league so it’s still in our hands.

“If we win our games, you know what will happen.”

Hinkel is adamant a turnaround in the club’s fortunes is imminent.

“We have to work hard but that’s what we’re doing,” he said.

“In the last few weeks, training has been good.

“We are not winning, but we have to start again and look ahead with confidence.”