Samaras Sunday

FOCUS ON CELTIC are having a Samaras Sunday and we thought we join in…

Samaras Sunday pic.twitter.com/XF3Ga0fGZG

— Focus on Celtic (@FocusOnCeltic) June 3, 2018

There is no doubt that the journey of Giorgios Samaras— with all its ups and downs— serves as a great advert for Celtic Football Club and the attitude of the player himself.

That attitude — as well as his skill, determination and mentality — flourished and was nurtured at Celtic park with spectacular results. Players at other clubs witnessed the change in Samaras and the adulation and respect he received from the terracing and from the opposition. That respect was not only local, it stretched across Europe — though at one time had you suggested such a thing many would have laughed at you.

Samaras continued his development like a thoroughbred race horse who appeared at the big race meetings to claim the prize.

The Champions’ League group stages? Enter the bearded, experienced, and confident Samaras into the champions arena. His goals were vital in reminding everyone—including the opposition and those at Celtic park— that Celtic were an accomplished and hardened Champions league team who would be tough to beat unless you were of the right class.

That lesson was hammered home with his performance against Shakther Karagandy at Celtic Park.
Needing the win in a tense game, It was the Samaras and Commons double act that secured the vital breakthrough just before half time, with Georgios taking the ball for a walk along the penalty box, dragging opposition players out of their defensive formation, before allowing Kris to take over, walk into the space and unleash a vital opener for Celtic.

Not long after half time, a mishit Lustig shot was quickly controlled by Samaras and dispatched into the net.

It is often said that Georgios is not “ an instinctive goalscorer” however any view of that goal shows sheer instinctive ability and reaction inside the box. Control the ball at pace, shoots, scores— end of!

What’s more, the importance of that goal and his subsequent reaction with the crowd – waving those giant arms and whipping up the Parkhead atmosphere—meant that everyone knew that Celtic were no longer “out” in terms of this tie. They were not through—but they were no longer “out” — and Samaras wanted everyone in the ground to know it increasing the mental pressure on the opposition who had seen their two goal lead disappear and their defensive wall breached for a second time.

He went gone on to score a remarkable hatrick against Kilmarnock, and produced a performance against Barcelona where he was a one man battering ram come ballet dancer against the Catalans -showing a mixture of sheer determination, strength and skill to cause a real problem for a team said to contain some of the most skilful footballers in the world.

Such was his performance against Barcelona—a performance seen throughout the televised world — that of all the footballers on the planet, Barcelona fans voted Georgios as the player they would most like their club to sign!

Samaras then was 28 years old and no-one was asking “ Why on earth are you giving him a new contract?” to the then Celtic manager Neil Lennon at the club’s AGM.

Instead the mood was more likely reflected in a comment heard at Celtic Park when big Sammy turned, beat a player and sent a shot flying by the far post, inches away from being a spectacular goal.

“Jesus Christ!” came a shout, only to be quickly followed by an instant sharp witted observation from someone else:“ Nah— he is not quite Jesus Christ… but he is not far off!”

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THE CELTIC STAR PODCAST which recently won the Podcast of the Year at the Football Blogging Awards in London, has a special edition out this week, which features a brilliant interview with Celtic cult hero Rudi Vata. It’s another great listen…