Let’s get one thing straight, the pathetic actions of the Motherwell players yesterday had no major impact on the result of the game. Celtic were under par and didn’t do enough to warrant a victory.
So this is not an excuse for Celtic dropping two points yesterday, instead it is just my opinion on the state of Scottish football. It wasn’t just the diabolical time wasting but the actual kick and rush tactics that the steelmen deployed, one that we’ve witnessed from many a side on a regular basis this season.
Celtic v Motherwell – Kevin van Veen celebrates with Callum Slattery during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park, on Saturday April 22, 2023. Photo Steve Welsh
There’s always a debate on how Scottish football is of a poor standard and how can we improve blah blah blah, it’s repetitive and played out like a broken record.
The answer is literally staring them in the face. Yesterday’s display by Motherwell is a prime example. Time waste, and when they do have the ball, kick it up the park and regroup, eat sleep repeat. Long throw-ins and set pieces into the box hoping for the best. No real skill or technical ability. That’s your problem right there.
Every side who visit Celtic park domestically are the same, set up and hit on the break or hope for the best from set pieces or throw-ins. Even our closest challengers theRangers deployed similar tactics on their visit a fortnight ago.
Motherwell scored a fine goal on the break through Kevin Van Veen, why didn’t they try to replicate that again instead of sitting back booting the ball up the park hoping for a draw?
They even had a corner late on but took their time, Daizen Maeda embarrassingly had to place the ball on the corner spot urging them to take it. It was 1-1 for heaven’s sake, a chance for them to win the game.
Obviously teams have to set up a game plan that suits them and that’s their prerogative, but at least try to play the game the right way? Retain possession by keeping the ball? Work on the technical side of the game? It’s not all about finances, that excuse doesn’t wash anymore.
Look at smaller countries than Scotland with the same budgets ie Croatia, Norway, Denmark and Slovakia. They all produce good technical footballers. Their club and national sides compete by playing productive football while developing world class players. It’s more than achievable. No excuses.
Celtic v Motherwell – Liam Kelly goes down injured during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park on: Saturday April 22, 2023. Photo Steve Welsh
It’s down to one thing and one thing only, coaching and development of players. Proper education. Play football the right way, it develops better footballers and makes it a better spectacle for the paying customer, while improving the quality of players, and naturally the domestic game and international side reap the benefits.
You don’t need to be an expert to diagnose the illness in Scottish football. it’s glaringly obvious what is wrong, but more importantly it can be easily cured. It’s time those in charge took the appropriate steps and take responsibility to get the football in this country up to the levels required. If not it won’t get any better.
JustAnOrdinaryBhoy – follow on Twitter @ordinarybhoy
