In the long, dismal and lamentable European history of Celtic over the past 50 years, this one fits in rather well along with Neuchatel Xamax and Artmedia Bratislava and many other grizzly horrors. In a word, the first half was awful without any redeeming feature at all whereas the second half was an improvement certainly, but still without us having the ability to score a goal or stop another one from going in.
It has to be said that we sent out the wrong signals about this one. The refusal to train on the pitch 24 hours before was a major mistake and gave out a hint of arrogance; the team was picked in a way that indicated that we weren’t too bothered about this game, and everyone, supporters, players, management, pundits had been going around saying that “the League is the important thing”.
Yes indeed, it is the priority. No-one denies that, but that does not mean that we should exit Europe in such a way that brings the club into disgrace and makes Celtic a laughing stock throughout Scotland and Europe. The other thing is that there is now no hiding place. We really now MUST win on Sunday at Easter Road. No excuses will be possible for any lapse on Sunday. It is as simple as that. We have put pressure on ourselves.
And now time to point a few fingers. Liam Scales – loads of effort but nowhere near tight enough on the Bodo forward. Nir Bitton – nowhere near the man for the second goal and clearly out of touch. Matt O’Riley – what on earth has come over him the last few games after a bright start? Tom Rogic – his form has shaded to an alarming extent. And the supporter who was caught on TV making that gesture after Bodo scored! The “long hard look at oneself” is appropriate for them.
A few pats on the back. Joe Hart – a fine save or two, Stephen Welsh – unspectacular but effective, Callum McGregor – an inspiration when he came on, and an astonishingly honest interview at the end, Liel Abada – always the possibility that something could happen from him – but sadly, it didn’t. Ange Postecoglou – for saying that it was not acceptable for Celtic not to be in multiple tournaments, but who chose the team, Ange? And plaudits to the supporters who went all that way for a night that was cold in every respect. They deserve a lot more than what they got.
The trio of Hartson, Sutton and Mjallby – clearly all hurting. Hartson was comforting and telling us to think of the future, Mjallby as a Swede was embarrassed to see Celtic lose to a Norwegian side, but Sutton was clearly on the button when he said that 1-5 to a Norwegian team in Europe’s third tier is a bit of a disgrace for a club of Celtic’s status. Just when are we going to start putting on respectable performances in Europe?
And so a chapter has been closed. Still a great deal to play for, as we pursue a domestic treble. 14 games – 11 League games and a potential 3 Scottish Cup games. It is now not possible to talk about stress or fixture congestion – which I never believed in the first place – and glory can still be yours, Celtic if you step up to the mark.
Defend well, take all your chances and don’t give the ball away! Sounds simple, doesn’t it?
David Potter
