NafisaDanny Röhl has admitted the title race is beginning to slip from his grasp, as Celtic continue to pile on the pressure at the summit.
He looked on as his team surrendered a lead and a dominant first-half display to hand Hearts all three points, leaving them seven points adrift with nine still to play for.
The Hoops sit second, three points behind Hearts, with the contest shaping up for a dramatic finale that could go all the way to the final day at Celtic Park.
There is still plenty left to unfold.
Celtic must first negotiate a major clash with Rangers, a side they have yet to beat in the league this season, before a tricky away trip to Motherwell.
Hearts, meanwhile, face Motherwell before hosting Falkirk, meaning the title picture could shift once again before the season’s final showdown.
But for Röhl, the damage may already have been inflicted.
After a narrow defeat, he cut a dejected figure and his comments reflected that mood.
“I would say extremely difficult. I think we know the table,” he said, when asked on Sky Sports if the title race was over for his side.
“What is disappointing is that you work very hard to come to such a point, and you lose two games – tight ones, 2-1 and 3-2, and for me, unnecessary.
“You have to take the points in this race… this is what we have to learn very quickly.”
It is not a full admission of defeat, but it is close.
Celtic are still in pursuit and Hearts are currently in control, but this season has shown there are likely to be more twists before the end.
From chants of his name to growing calls for change, it has been a turbulent few months for the other side of Glasgow.
Nafisa
