Clear-the-air talks have helped, claims Wanyama

The Kenyan, who is a doubt for this evening’s game against Rennes because of a groin strain, insisted there was a family atmosphere at the club, and that players and coaching staff were determined to work together to improve performances.

The meeting was convened by manager Neil Lennon, but Wanyama said the players had also been allowed to have their say about what had gone wrong against Kilmarnock on Saturday, when Celtic went three goals down before drawing 3-3, and in other recent matches.

The crucial thing, he said, was that everyone at Parkhead shared an understanding of what has to be done.

“He said to us we needed to get maximum points from the games and to help one another,” Wanyama said of Lennon’s remarks at the meeting. “We can’t afford to lose any more points in the league.

“The manager spoke, but the players were involved in it as well. We all agreed with what was being said, so it was positive. The meeting has given us a boost to work hard and try and get the points. We’ve been working hard to improve.

“I think the fans are still with us. They are behind the team and we have to win for them also. The squad’s like a family.

“If a team-mate is struggling we want to help him – that’s what being a good team-mate is about. The manager is part of that. Everyone is part of that, including him.

“We have a good manager and we have to get better results for him. Everybody is happy and wants to give the maximum for the team.”

The 20-year-old from Nairobi admitted he did not know too much about tonight’s opponents, but added that, despite the absence of several key players, Celtic should be good enough to win tonight’s Europa League match.

“It’s only our second away game in the group, and looking at the team we’re good enough for me to expect to take three points. We have a squad that’s capable of getting a good result. I don’t know very much about Rennes, but we’ve been working hard and we’ll give our all to get the win.”