Adamant Ryan Christie doesn't believe Celtic players were hell-bent on leaving the club amid the botched attempt to secure 10 In A Row.
The Parkhead side endured a torrid season which many onlookers are convinced went south after Neil Lennon launched an astonishing blast at perceived wantaway stars.
And now the Bournemouth star has given his story from inside the dressing room during a sorry time in Glasgow's east end.
Lennon let rip in the wake of Celtic 's shock Champions League exit to Ferencvaros August 2020 during an incredible post-match assessment.
The 50-year-old claimed some of his stars had their heads turned as he told those not committed to the cause to head for the exit door.
Christie. with just over a year left on his deal at the time, Odsonne Edouard and Kris Ajer were then in the cross hairs of constant speculation due to their expiring deals.
And the 27-year-old Scotland international has now rejected the notion of dressing room mutiny.
Speaking to Football Scotland, he said: "It was tough because, number one, I don't think anyone had stated they were absolutely desperate to leave at that point.
"A few people had maybe had offers in like Premier League or elsewhere that was promising for them.
"It was so early in the season where it's a bit different for Celtic when you have such important games at the start of the season that it means you have to be focussed straight away.
"That's when the transfer market takes over a little bit at the start of the season.
"Did it have to be said? I'm not so sure. I think everyone was desperate to get a result.
"Everyone in our squad was firing on all cylinders to try and get through.
"Had we got into the Champions League that season I'm sure that would have steadied some players' heads about leaving because that's an attraction itself.
"People probably look back at those comments now and think, 'That's where it started going wrong so early' but we took it as a minor blip, it was frustrating but it was still early and in our minds we were still thinking we'll go on to have a successful season."
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