0-4 at home is not a pretty score line, yet the point that must be emphasised is that this score line gives a slightly false picture. It wasn’t anything like as bad as is looks, and there were many good things on view last night.
It did however show quote brutally how moments of slackness are punished by top European teams, and how when you are on top, you really must take all your chances. Football can be a cruel game sometimes, and Celtic supporters are entitled to feel hurt this morning.
In the main, there were two good things for Celtic. One was the atmosphere. It must be a matter of some puzzlement to European TV commentators how it is that a club which can engender such an atmosphere, excitement and noise can get such poor results at European level. There are few nights like a European night at Celtic Park… but why such consistently poor results?
The other good thing was the effort and commitment of the team. The players clearly thrived on the atmosphere, and no-one can be complained about for not trying. Mistakes were made, but no-one “had his head in the wrong place” as was obviously the case last season. And odd, though it it to say in the wake of a 0-4 defeat, the team played well. But sadly Bayer Leverkusen played better.
It was nice to see McGregor and Kyogu back. I suspect that neither were 100% fit, but they nevertheless added something to the team. Kyogu sadly was not 100% MATCH fit, otherwise he would have put away that early chance, and McGregor was taken off early, obviously to keep him for Sunday.
Tony Ralston in some ways typifies this Celtic team. No lack of effort and no attempt to hide when things go wrong, but sadly error prone with too many goals coming from his zone. But that tackle late in the second half on front of the North Stand was a full blooded demonstration of his determination, even though he injured himself in the process. Once he learns some game management skills, he will be a first class defender.
Much criticism comes the way of Turnbull and Rogic. Turnbull is certainly going through a bad spell at the moment, but he is a good player and will come through it, and Rogic, at long last getting a run in the team from his fellow Aussie as distinct from appearances as a substitute, is possibly due a rest – but only for one game, because the talent is definitely there.
And there is such a thing as luck, It is all very easy to talk about “making your own luck” but there are times when you simply need a break. We hit the bar three times on Sunday and had about half a dozen close things (or brilliant goalkeeper saves) last night. Some time our luck has to change.
So where stand Celtic his morning? Nothing that happened last night alters the fact that Celtic must win on Sunday at Pittodrie to keep themselves in contention for the title. It will be a different game from last night, and we really must take our chances, and have the defenders all detailed to prevent the loss of goals. We really have to win. A draw is of little value. Aberdeen are in a poorer position than us, and they are even more desperate for a win.
As far as Europe is concerned, as I understand it, third place in the group gives us a place in a play-off for the European Conference League. That would appear to be the iimit of our ambition in Europe. It is hard to see us even coming second now.
In spite of all the positives mentioned above, still a somewhat depressing experience. But no time to wallow in self-pity. Aberdeen on Sunday is now of crucial importance. The crowd remained cheerful, upbeat and supportive throughout. Give them something to cheer about, Celtic!
David Potter
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David, I read your posts as they tend to be a bit more reasoned than most I read.
This morning, after finishing night shift in NZ, I donned my celtic scarf from the 80s, and stood in front my the big TV in the living room. Game kicks off full of hope.
Within 59secs they had a 2 attempts and a disallowed goal!!!
Maybe that could be construed as a warning sign to be heeded to not mess around at the back.
We go up the park and have a couple of attempts…..we were settling well.
But for most of the first half, I spent screaming at the defence to stop fluffing about, passing from side to side, and pushing the full backs infield….the plan was not working
When they go inside, the wingers are not getting the ball due to the opposition pressing high and cutting off supply channels. So we end up with full back players out of position. (Refer 2nd goal)
I am afraid to say that the 2 centre backs today gave my the shivers every time that try to play out from the back.
The defence is a real concern, with Ralston a real trier, but simply not 1st team material for the long run.
The left back position is up for grabs, and I wouldn’t mind seeing the young irish boy get a run.
In the centre mid, Cal Mac cannot do it alone. He needs another grafter sitting in there to assist.
I do not think Rogic & Turnbull playing the old inside wing postions is really working.
Sacrifice 1 of them and go 4-4-2 with more help up front with a 2nd natural centre forward.
Here is point that may upset some, the amount of goals Hart is shipping, compared to attempts faced, I bet it is quite a high percentage. The other keepers were dropped for similar, and Joe should not be exempt from blame.
So summing up todays game for me:
Woeful at the back to start
Struck back immediately, and unlucky not to score
Critical mistakes from us led to goals to them
Great start to 2nd half, really pressing
Great goalkeeping from their keeper prevents comeback, and eventually flatters the scoreline
So whilst I agree, it was not all bad….it was mostly bad, and they type of game that infuriates us fans.
In my opinion, the managers last sub made no sense….should have left kyogo on and play him up with a 2nd striker…..see if it works…..(remember celtic changed style a couple of seasons ago and put Edouard and Griffiths up front, the goals started to flow)
My question is….does Ange have a Plan B, because, the opposition have worked out the internal full back plan A.
We must be able to change things
Well that is my thoughts
Martin
Martin, we’ll run this as an article to reach a wider audience. HH
David. No one can train donkeys to win the Derby,unless it is a donkey derby.
Celtic had too many donkeys last season and now.
Appreciate what the manager is trying to achieve but he doesn’t have the players.
Our young bloods not up to the standard required to win in Europe.
The opposition last night had youth with the attributes required.
If we hadn’t Hart I shudder to think what the result could have been.
Hopefully we have had our share of injuries for the season and can progress domestically.
Hail Hail.
Dear Sir ,
I totally agree with both your comments and those of Martin Folan’s comments . Ange , however ,
still retains the services of Backroom Staff such as Kennedy and Strachan who appear to still be influencing team selection with the disastrous tactics of last season .
Since Ange took over as manager all reasonable minded Celtic fans can see what he is trying to achieve . We now have some great players , especially JOTTA , KYOGO and ABADA who can and will improve with game time and experience .They are a match for anything in European Football and if Celtic can keep all three players
the future must surely be bright .
Celtic again have massive injury problems in key areas and when these players return to fitness again things will improve dramatically . What Celtic do not have is an ” Engine Room “, we need strong, fast , and skillful , “Box to Box ” , players who can defend as well as attack . we have no recovery powers in mid-field and that is why no matter who we play in defence they end -up looking poor players . We need players in the mould of :- David Hay , Bobby Murdoch , Neil Lennon , Paul Lambert etc. When we get players who can win the ball and then pass to create players we will have a Great Team!!!!
Rogic and Turnbull are not the answer and both can not be played in the same team .