I thought it would be worth looking at our next Champions League qualification opponents from the Cluj-Maccabi Tel-Aviv tie. The Romanians won their home leg 1-0, leaving the outcome wide open.
With 3.5 coefficient points, Cluj look like a dangerous non-seed. They eliminated Astana, who have 27.5 points (Celtic have 31), in the first round and hold that slim advantage over Maccabi Tel-Aviv, who have 16 points, but there are signs in the detail that these results flatter.
Celtic twice faced strong Kazak opposition in recent years but not only did this Astana team lose to Cluj, they managed only a 0-0 draw in the Europa League qualifiers in Andorra this week. On the face of it, this result looks a bit like Celtic’s afternoon in Gibraltar three years ago, but unlike Celtic then, Astana 19 games into their season. It looks like the fizz has flowed out of Kazak football, to the benefit of Cluj.
Both Cluj and Maccabi Tel-Aviv were in close season over the summer, but their preparations could not have been more different. Before their game this mid-week, Cluj played five friendlies, a Super Cup game, two qualifiers against Astana and two domestic league games. Maccabi Tel-Aviv arrived in Romania having played only three friendlies and a Super Cup game since May.
After 10 games, the Cluj squad would have been near full fitness. After four, not many of the Maccabi squad will have played a complete 90 minute game. Cluj are ready, Maccabi are not.
Celtic will have played nine games, including our opening league encounter, by the third round. Not as many as Cluj, but we will be well up to speed. I remember taking a look at AEK Athens this time last year and getting an ominous feeling. The draw has been significantly kinder this time.
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GFTB,
sorry not your post,
never saw another at the same time.
GORDYBHOY 64-how’s things mate
Gftb-you’re not even allowed to predict the team sheet on her ffs😉
her=here😡
Gordybhoy64 9.04pm
I still panic when I hit post
I read back and saw my moniker at 8.21pm :-)
Posting online is always a worry :-)
Fairhill Bhoy (every other minute)
Do YOU think KT will be a Celtic player on the 10th August ???
Just your opinion … leave the 🏌️♂️🏌️♂️out of it :-)
Fairhill Bhoy,
not bad mate,bought a season ticket this year,
though i will be lucky to make half the games,
hope things are all good with you.
GBTB YES that’s www. carinetinney ,com my daughter. Be grateful for all your support
fritzsong
An exceptional group of players. And by 1965 guided by exceptional men in Stein, Fallon and Mochan.
GORDYBHOY 64-where you sitting?maybe catch up for a beer if I can dump the old man
www. carinetinney.com
FB,
in 122,normally go to the Kerrydale for a beer before the game.
Gftb-I made a comment on here ages ago when every one was talking about our need for a new right back.l said then we will need a new left back to.The only person to pick up on that was BMCUWP
Johnbay 9.12pm
Done deal … we wish her all the best
So, guess who has just bought a bucket list ticket to see Gilbert O’Sullivan at the Glasgo Pavillion on 1st November!!
Might now go for the double and go asnd see Frank Skinner who is touring Glasgow and Lanarkihire that same month!
GORDYBHOY 64- we up in LL416,but would be great to meet up again for a beer
Fairhill Bhoy 9.17pm
From day dot I read between the lines .. hence the 🏌️♂️🏌️♂️ selfishly I hope he doesn’t leave it will destroy an army of children … MissGFTB is going into P7 and every boy in her class adores KT, I have never known a player to connect with the young team as much …. BUT if he leaves I will support that team as I love KT… in earlier conversations about Kenny Dal there might be some fans that won’t get over the wee mhan leaving
In fact never mind Kieran Tierney let’s support
http://www.carinetinney.com
Hail Hail
Looks like more loans £££££ required
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49147275
Gftb-he is still very much a Celtic player and supporter 🍀
Despite what An dun says
Is there anyone on here who could question Kieran Tierney’s love of Celtic 🤔
Fairhill Bhoy 9.32pm
Yes… I very much know both of those things… again
In your opinion do YOU think he will be a Celtic player on the 10/8/2019
An answer … yes or no would suffice
:-)
Gftb-I would love to say yes
Bedtime,some people have to work in the morning 😉
Fairhill Bhoy 9.38pm
So that’s a .. NAW :-)
I cling to the hope he stays but also realise the world is his lobster :-)
I think he is actually the best left back in the world … not one other player in that position impresses me much
AN DUN on 28TH JULY 2019 7:38 PM
KT can go if he wants to and we get the money we want. I think £25mill is far too cheap in today’s market.
I’m very happy a genius like Larsson didn’t decide to test himself after four years with us and that Paul McStay decided to stay in the early 90s.
KT can go with my thanks and respect, but a Celtic legend he’ll never be. He’ll be a Daglish type figure. Great player, fondly remembered but never in a million years a Tommy Burns.
———-
Hiya, can I ask where you’ve seen or heard or read anything from KT that would even suggest the slightest inclination that he has any desire to leave?
Fairhill Bhoy 9.39pm
You have posted about all your fancy holidays so enjoy work the morra
No work for this bhoy until 20/8/19 partly wee yin going back to school partly meeting up with the Ayrshire CQN Brigada :-)
Enjoy the alarm going off tomorrow morning .. but remember this, next Saturday you and your old man will be looking forward to 🏆🍀
Hail Hail
Hamiltontim 9.42pm
Last time you posted on a Sunday at this time you had been sleeping for hours after Ross County away :-)
Good to see you on the blog
JohnBay @ 8.45pm
Absolutely Fantastic
You must be avery proud Dhad 👍👍👍
GFTB
Think it was the one about the odious Mick Philpott.
Gftb-I do what everyone else does on here😉Hardly fancy
You enjoy your time off
Fairhill bhoy 9.50pm
👍💚
G-D 9.50pm
Cheers… Gordybhoy64 already said, I just saw the time and my moniker so always good to check :-)
GFTB
Ha ha you’re probably right!!
I was asking because I keep hearing and reading that if KT goes it’ll be because he chooses to go. I’m sorry but going by everything I’ve seen from the boy, if he leaves it’ll be because Celtic have accepted an offer and he knows he’s not wanted.
I’m still hopeful that our valuation will be beyond what any other club is willing to pay for him.
HT
I’m with you mucker.hh
LAZYDYNAMITE
Well done for apologising. I had to look up the name. Evil beyond belief.
🍀⚽️
VP
Alright son, I hope you’re well! In his time at Celtic I’ve not seen a single thing that would indicate that KT wants to leave. I’m honestly happy to be proven wrong.
Lazydinamite