It is a predictable cliche that tonight is an important game. No doubt “must-win” will appear somewhere in today’s newspapers, and it is true that an awful lot is at stake for Celtic’s future credibility.
It is probably true to say that the Europa League comes fourth in the list of what we want to win this season. Winning it is not beyond us,(we came close in 2003, remember?) but the odds would probably be against Celtic winning this tournament in a way that they are not in the three Scottish domestic tournaments which are well within our compass and capabilities.
But the Europa League with Arsenal and Manchester United in it? Possibly not. Would be nice, mind you!
But all this vague speculation for the distant future of nine months hence does not alter the fact that it is tonight that our very credibility as a European power is at stake.
Frankly, our European performances over the past 20 years, give or take the odd spectacular exception against Barcelona and Manchester United, have been a disgrace for a club of our support, resources and pedigree. It is a good thing that we keep telling people (rightly) that we once won the European Cup – otherwise people would find it hard to believe.
These sub-standard performances which embarrass the green and white jersey must stop. Far too long have we been hiding behind excuses like “don’t have the resources to compete at this level” and “punching above our weight”.
It is time to show the correct attitude on the park, time to go on to the field believing in ourselves, ignoring the little monkey of our shoulder that tells us we are not good enough and showing a determination to make the supporters who have travelled to France and the millions more watching the game on TV proud of their team!
No-one will say that Rennes are easy. They are currently second equal in the French League, and it is never easy playing away from home at the ridiculous time of 5.55 pm on a Thursday night!
But it is now up to Celtic to take a grip of the situation and to show Rennes who is boss. We did this spectacularly well at Ibrox two and a half weeks ago when we might have lain down and allowed the opposition to run the show – not least at the very start when we booted the ball out of play near the Rangers corner flag trying, rugby style, to gain ground. This was an unusual move but it clearly sent out an early signal that Celtic, not Rangers, were going to run this show. Let’s have the same tonight!
Chris Sutton must never be given the excuse to use his favourite word of “sloppy”. The ball must be won, and then distributed well at all times and during the whole 90 minutes. It we do get on top, we must stay on top. We got an early goal at Hamilton on Saturday and then passed the ball around rather too much. That earned a certain amount or criticism – against Hamilton! A similar scenario against Rennes and another 1-0 victory will be welcomed as a great result!
If we do the basics correctly, we will win or at least earn a draw – which would be by no means the worst outcome.
A defeat however will once again get our critics saying that Celtic can play in Scotland, but can’t do it anywhere else and that they cannot make the one step up that is required for the European game. More importantly, it will strengthen the “Lennon must go” and/or the “Lawwell must go” lobby which has been quietened since Ibrox.
So yes, this is an important game. It will not make or break our season necessarily, but it will go a long way to determine whether the English and European pundits talk about “Celtic” with a patronising sneer or with reluctant admiration.
So yes, Celtic, a great deal is at stake. No more “Scottish” attitudes about servility and inferiority complexes! The name “Celtic” must mean something!
Make us proud of you!
David Potter
