Brendan Rodgers was correct in his post-match comments about supporting the players when they circulate the ball back, instead of always making a forward pass. For much of the first half, we struggled to complete passes, which made it difficult to penetrate St Mirren’s organised block. It was all too impatient. This changed when we started to hold onto the ball by making easier passes, which inevitably meant going back on occasion.
The players needed to move their opponents around in order to open up spaces. This often means circulating the ball back to the keeper, if necessary. Football is all about creating angles to move the ball forward. When everyone is marked, safe angles might not be available, but a move back changes everyone’s available angle.
Think back to all those intercepted passes on Thursday. The angles were wrong, we needed to go back instead of forward. This was screamingly obvious on Thursday and, hearing Brendan’s post-match comments yesterday, I suspect it was a feature of the Ibrox post-mortem.
This has been a bugbear of mine since the groans Neil Lennon heard against Boavista that April evening. There is a limit to the innate talent Celtic can afford to buy, but we can support and encourage good decision making in that instant when you receive the ball with 60,000 people watching, and two opponents running towards you.
We scored two goals yesterday (the first and third) by moving the ball forward quickly on a counter-attack. We can go a long time without seeing teams like St Mirren move forward at Celtic Park. When they do, the turnover becomes crucial and we have the speed to exploit whatever space is available. This is a completely different scenario to opening up a packed defence.
While we are on the subject of playing teams like St Mirren. Always when the scores are level and often when Celtic have the lead, opposing goalkeepers use up between 25 and 30 seconds to take a goal kick, and usually take around 20 seconds to release the ball from their hands. Free kicks in the middle of the park consume 30 seconds and attacking free kicks take longer still.
There is a charade at goal kicks. The ballboy rolls a ball into the six yard box. The visiting keeper pretends he is unaware of the multi-ball system and ambles after the ball that was knocked out of play. He then makes his way back onto the field and considers whether to pass to his central defenders, before ushering them up-field. Always.
Referees cannot deny keepers a moment of indecision before kicking up-field, but their inaction over timewasting is contrary to the rules as well as the interests of the paying spectator. An early booking for timewasting would discourage subsequent offences and make for a better event.
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SAINT STIVS on 6TH JANUARY 2025 1:18 PM
well done brendan, great interview again.
he refused to talk about an arsenal player, he protected GT, and called out the people who dont appreciatee why we recycle/retain the ball.
attendance yesterday for a sold out game was shocking, all those no-shows, a waste of tickets.
compare liverpool, all seats still occupied on the 90th minute.
——
SS
No disagreement on any of your points apart from the last sentence.
A more apt comparison , rather than a game v St Mirren , would be a game against Der Hun sitting at 2-2.
I doubt there would be an empty seat anywhere in the place.
Now if Greg Taylor had ran over to the GB on various occasions joined in with their chants and even picked up their megaphone to lead the singing, then f@ cked off to the smoke .
Would that be disrespect?
TIMEWASTING:
1. The World Cup in Brazil, they timed every game. For the entire tournament, the average Ball In Play time was 33 minutes. I’d be happy with 2 halves of 35 minutes each. Easy to implement.
2. Restarts could be horribly slow, however. So something would have to be done. Perhaps a 5 second warning from the ref, then give possession to the opposing team. Goal kicks become corners, etc.
BRENDAN:
He’s our leader. We are very fortunate to have him. For those who think that we could easily replace him, here’s the list over the last 25 years:
MON;
Strachan;
Mowbray;
Lennon;
Deila;
Rodgers;
Lennon;
Ange;
Rodgers.
Just ask yourselves how many of these you’d take back (in their original form).
We are living through the good times.
Cheers,
Weeron
The reaction of the crowd in one moment did not merit BR having a pop. 50000 plus people came to CP yesterday, on a Sunday, when most of the country was facing horrendous weather conditions resulting in trains and flights being cancelled as well as perilous conditions on the roads. I had a 400 mile round trip but it was all worth it to watch Celtic I am also all about the positive when in attendance but the groan or whatever you want to call it was hardly worthy of a mention. Why is BR trying to pick a fight? He usually thinks about what he is going to say, so based on that he has deliberately lit a fuse. An over reaction. He should maybe be looking more at why we have so few shots in a game and/or have created such few opportunities in recent weeks.
I understand the above explanation for moving the ball sideways or backwards but our midfielders almost always try and move the ball down the flanks and so it is a little predictable at times. Kuhn is a joy to watch at the moment and Engels movement into space is effortless, and his corners superb.
Lots to like but BR shouldn’t think the side is above being critiqued. He described them as excellent. They weren’t.
Good afternoon all from the Victoria Bar. The frozen hun in Govanhill (-13) are wearing their wives tights on their heids. Improves their look.
All these empty seats. Big deal.
Circa 45,000 made the effort in horrendous weather conditions. The easy option , stay at home or watch in the pub against an anti football team.
Watched the Coventry Emerald journey. Left Coventry @ 06.00 hrs and the pictures showed a precarous journey. Respect.
Loads of tickets available on the Celtic internet.
Anyone who really wanted a ticket could have obtained one with a bit of effort.
HH.
i thought we were excellent in phases.
he says it is easy to support when 3-0 up, but we need support at 0-0.
the crows are over critical, well those that turn up can be.
Anyone who really wanted a season ticket could have attended the match to give their support.
I soooo want to see the six triple eight movie.😀
Still no reports of arrests in relation to the coin throwing which hit Engels and BR at Ibrox Stadium on the 2nd of January, it would lead you to believe it isn’t being taken seriously.
4 Home games in 13 days is a big commitment financially, but also with anybody who has any other commitments other than waking up and pulling on a Celtic jersey. It’s also worth remembering there are another 3 home matches in January.
There’s a lot of sniping goes on amidst fans about season ticket holders and it’s a shame to read.
If people give up season tickets they won’t get to as many matches with friends and family they may have attended with for years. They will almost certainly not get to ever watch a match against rangers, which like it or not are the two biggest league games. They will also find it very difficult to get to Champions league matches, cup semis and finals. After going to Celtic park for 40 years plus and having had 3 season tickets since 1995, it would be madness for me to give them up. My family would miss out. I go once per month and pass it over to a family member when I don’t go. It is rare a seat is left empty.
Those that are complaining about the waiting list, the lack of ticket swap options or not being able to buy would probably end up being selective as well. Certainly in time.
It’s a common issue with clubs all over Europe and even in the PL. Any comparison with Liverpool v Man Utd is a bit pointless though as that is their Us v Them. If Liverpool had played Ipswich there would have been more tickets available. However there also needs to be a recognition that the league we play in is not that competitive so people will pick and choose. Yesterday was appalling to travel in and not all fans are local. I applaud every person that headed along yesterday.
ok,
check out sprs v newcastle then.
mid table clash two poor form teams, 61,999_ in actual physical attendnace, no empties seen on tv.
we have many a fairweather/glasgow derby supporters. even then still 800 dont turn up for that non segregated game.
change the policies cfc plc,
TANGBHOY….
I don’t think that the issue is about turning up or not turning up.
It is about Celtic’s refusal to have a ticket exchange.
Weeron
Re the Liverpool v Man Utd game, it was noticeable that players were prepared to mix and adapt their approach. Man Utd occasionally made good use of a simple ball over the top and then using the speed of their forwards. Celtic could have tried something similar at Ibrox, making use of two fast wingers and bringing and alternative challenge to a weakened defence.
Ive no doubt that there were non season tickets sold for yesterdays game and the buyers didnt turn up.
Lots of empty seats in the Lisbon Lions stand would suggest that.
Who is to say that the recipients of a ticket exchange scheme would actually turn up.
Of course the club would get more money , the ST holder would gain but the seat would still be empty.
It would still be horrendous Scottish winter weather conditions, the transport situation would still be hopeless and the pubs would still be open to watch tje game.
Summer football anyone ?
Around 15,000 empty seats for the last 3 home games, and most likely the same on Wednesday night for the Dundee Utd game.
Faithful Through and Through ?
Too many glory hunters now in our support, supporters who are spoiled by success and now can be bothered to go to the games.
no to summer football, but yes to a january break.
Time wasting: Simple solution. When the ball goes out of play, there is a time limit for when the ball must be in play again, otherwise the ball goes to the opposition.
For example, goal kick, time limit is 20 seconds. Failure to get is back in play results in corner to opposition. Throw in – 15 seconds otherwise a throw the other way. Time limits are examples, other numbers may be more appropriate.
Of course, the worse one is when the keeper catches the ball, goes to ground, takes an inordinate amount of time to get up and then is allow more than the 6 seconds to get rid from hand. 10 seconds seems to be the minimum nowadays for some reason.
ConeyBhoy – I like the fact that CelticTV offer opportunities to former players to take part in the shows. Regards Peter Grant, I wish he would talk less and maybe stop trying too hard. He makes good tactical observations, but sometimes just overdoes it. He’s becoming a bit like the dreaded Ally McCoist. I quite enjoyed the period yesterday when commentary was lost! Simon Donnelly is maybe not upbeat enough for commentary, but he always talks sensibly in the studio.
From the PPV provider:
Following yesterday’s power outage in the wider Parkhead area of Glasgow that caused disruption to normal matchday services inside Celtic Park, the club has assessed the effect this had on Celtic TV’s Pay-Per-View broadcast of the game against St Mirren.
Firstly, the club would like to apologise to you for the interruption this caused to your ability to view all of the second half of yesterday’s match.
We acknowledge that unfortunately, the power outage resulted in a loss of pictures and audio for part of the second half’s live coverage.
While the cause of the disruption was entirely out with the control of the club, in light of these circumstances, Celtic will be reducing the previously advertised Pay-Per-View pricing by 50% for the forthcoming game against Dundee United at Celtic Park on Wednesday 8th January.
As a Pay-Per-View customer, we hope that this discount will enable you to enjoy the full game on Wednesday at a reduced price as a token of appreciation for your support on Sunday.
We would like to take the opportunity to thank you once again for your ongoing support and understanding related to this issue.
Kind regards
Celtic TV Support
It is heartening to see that most agree m with and understand Brendan’s press conference comments yesterday – it is especially gratifying to see Paul’s support……and to see “Brendan” and not “Brendan Rodgers” named-checked in the headline.
As I’ve said before, I like this more outspoken Brendan Mk2 coming out forcefully on all matters concerning the club, e.g. “organic growth” in response to jealous ‘noises off’ from south of the river.
His unequivocal affirmation that there will be strengthening and “freshening-up” in this window was also music to my ears. Yes I, like many others noticed a tinge of anger in the manager’s delivery – I like that – it shows desire and total commitment.
Hail Hail the Celts are here, there and everywhere.
Moans and groans:
My two sons were at the game and came home complaining about slow play. Though they did say the moans and groans were limited (and not them). Whereas from my viewing of the game I thought it was fine. It’s not the first time that the view from the top of the North Stand makes it easy to see space which from ground level is not possible.
Anyway, I don’t mind the side to side, and sometimes backward passing. Apart from tiring out the opposition – which often benefits us in the second half – it allows the midfielders, wingers and forward(s) to drag defenders around and out of position.
And besides, Kasper can deliver a heck of a good ball.
Just remember, this is the style fo play that has given us 55 goals for in 20 games with only 7 conceded. Would forcing play by attempting “forward” passes give us as much success?
There are ST holders, especially in Ireland, who cannot be expected to attend every match- the cost is prohibitive.
However many have STs because not only does it allow for attendance at any SPL game, it is the only guaranteed way to secure a ticket for other matches including CL.
However I think if there was a resale scheme then some who previously were ST holders and not attending matches would use that scheme instead.
“SUPERSUTTON on 6TH JANUARY 2025 3:20 PM
Just remember, this is the style of play that has given us 55 goals for in 20 games with only 7 conceded. ”
That, IMO, certainly IS something to be remembered by those who frequently complain.
●● 3 around 3●● Goalies■■
1)Celtic lost twice in the league 66/67 season to Dundee Utd.Sandy Davie DU ‘keeper was later capped by which country?
2) Who is the former Celtic keeper that kept goal for Dunfermline when they won 2-0 at Celtic Park,1968?
3)Which Celtic defender took over in goal from the injured Ronnie Simpson at Somerset Park.Celts won 2-1.
For the obsessed and desperados is @celticspares not worth a shout ?. Think you just need to be cautious with who you are dealing with.
Also, I seen a few (more than half a dozen ) holding spare tickets up yesterday.
Just dont understand anyone getting uptight if supporters have a reason to leave early – work etc.
C’est la vie.
On the point of” Recycling” the ball,a fancy way of saying passing anywhere but forward,I will say again,we do it to death.I understand that it is a modern tactic,but we really take it to the extreme.EG,The Hun game,half of our gametime was spent doing it.Even trailing 3-0,we were still doing it.A fekin fat lot of good it did us.
Watch,you will see Wednesday night.Calmac will give the ball to Maeda,deep in their half,with a one on one,9 times out of ten it goes backwards.Kyogo runs into positions on countless occasions,nope,back or side.
Nothing wrong with the tactic,just not flogged to death every game.In both games in the States we had it down to a fine art.Not now.
spurs have 45k season tickets
liverpool 25k-ish
londons population is greater than scotlands
almost 40million visitors to london in 2024
celtic have been playing in europe, domestic semis and finals for years
if folk feel the pinch, the want or the need to be with family for 1 or 2 games over the xmas period then sounds fair to me
if there is a problem its the lack of a ticket exchange – it would be mainly celtic fans and not tourists who would pick up the spares
the product on offer is enhanced only by celtic – NEARLY every single team comes to CP to stop celtic
we cant compare with the epl product (and its marketing cos some of the games are dross)
we need compare like with like and imo there is no real comparison
The reason we are recycling the ball against a packed defence is to firstly find a clear shooting opportunity and also to tire the opposition out , so we batter them in the last 30 minutes.
Also by recycling the ball we tend to keep our shape as a collective unit , so on the average we’re harder to break through.
Sportscene highlights the ball broke to a Hibs midfielder there wasn’t a Rangers midfielder anywhere on the screen , as they were involved in a tip and tuck game of basketball/ football…. We are far better off doing what we’re doing
Mamaherknowswhathesdoinfcfc
when my son was a student – i used to reward his exam passes with a season ticket every year
when he worked in glasgow, he bought his own
when he moved away he still bought one – either his mate or me used it – now mainly me – cup games, euro games
back for xmas he had the flu – made one home game but not the other – last minute decision
there will be many like him
spot on ekbhoy
Have to say I never heard the kt chants yesterday and i was closet to the gb. Performance yesterday was acceptable, nothing more. As we know, our experience of Brendan teams is that we are our worst when we play slowly. We did that far too often yesterday.
I have no issue with recirculating the ball but we need to hit and maintain a much higher tempo in these games.
I saw,at least three supporters selling tickets in the north stand underpass yesterday.
bhoyjoebelfast
2. Bent Martin
3. Tam Gemmell
Dick.
Dick is for Timmy7
Maybe Liverpool’s seats remain full for 90 minutes because they hivny got the daft arsed SNP and Greens building countless miles of cycle lanes around Anfield that nobody will ever use causing endless hours of traffic jams at every home game?
MNCELT.
At least McCoist speaks the truth unlike Celtic View poster boy Grant.