Craig Levein reckons Celtic fans might have to wait patiently for Ange Postecoglou to get it right.
And the ex Hearts boss admits he feels sorry for the Australian amid the injury crisis plaguing the club.
Celtic lost Josip Juranovic to injury during Sunday's draw with Dundee United and that took their crocked list to seven senior players.
That includes stalwart captain Callum McGregor, long-term absentee Christopher Jullien, and new signings Kyogo Furuhashi and Giorgios Giakoumakis.
For many, the injury situation is no excuse for the poor form that has seen them drop points four times in their opening seven league games.
And Levein knows fans are "suffering" as they already trail leaders Rangers by six points.
"A team the size of Celtic should have strength in depth," Levein said on BBC Sportsound.
"I understand completely that the new manager's just arrived and hasn't had a lot of time.
"It might just be that Celtic fans have to suffer for the time being and hope they get it right in January."
Postecoglou has been insistent his team are by no means out of the title race with 31 games left for his side to climb the Premiership.
But Levein reckons they won't get near the title with the squad currently at Postecoglou's disposal.
He insists they need Jullien back first and foremost before they can dream of challenging Rangers.
When asked if Celtic currently have a squad capable of winning the league, he said: "At this minute in time, no. Because the players they need to do that are on the treatment table.
"So it's a simple answer: no.
"If they don't get Jullien back as soon as possible, I think they'll struggle.
"He's the one with the pace and athleticism to do what the manager wants.
"I actually feel sorry for Ange because he's brought in Giorgios Giakoumakis and he's got injured in the warm-up.
"I've seen that happen before but it's extremely rare."
