Tonight is going to be fraught at times and there’s no denying it holds more importance than just winning three points in the scheme of this Champions League group stage. There have been signs that the ship has been steering off course somewhat of late, with the win in Perthshire on Saturday a vital adrenaline boost in the course of this season.
It would be fair to say we have been insipid recently; just too many players dithering and wanting too much time on the ball. Having loads of possession is great, so long as you convert it into goals come full-time.
There has been a distinct lack of quality in the final third since the game we battered the Ibrox mob at Parkhead, in my opinion. The Real game did offer flashes of what could be produced by this Celtic side, but yet again chances went begging, and well, you know the rest.
Which brings me to the point: Ange and this Celtic side both need a win against the Germans to prove their credentials at this level of European competition.
The step-up is never easy but this is where we all see ourselves as a club. It is essential we make inroads again in this tournament as it’s been far too long without a win. Anderlecht was the last time we collected all the points available on a Champions League Matchday, and that was five years ago.
There is inevitable obstacles to overcome, granted – we do not have our skipper and midfield anchor man Callum McGregor to pick, and our superstar from Portugal, Jota may be out also.
However, this must not deter us from playing our football and going back to that possession-based safety game that Ange was so frustrated with over in Germany last Wednesday.
If we play positive football and in the manner that has taken us thus far, we should be able to match and even usurp Rose and his side once again at Celtic Park on a European night. The thought of losing doesn’t bear thinking about and will prolong the tiresome road we have been walking on for years now.
The time to rise again is upon us, we must battle to the very death to preserve the name of Celtic. The whole of Europe is watching us, maybe even the world; let’s get out there and put on a show like we used to in the Champions League!
Hail Hail!
Paul Gillespie
Ange is not tactically astute, cannot tactically change to affect a game, also continually plays the worst player in Maeda. Ange has taken us as far as he can. Time for a new manager, the last 7 games proves this!