It’s probably easier to start with what went right last night, than what went wrong. Efe Ambrose was the epitome of composure, trying to retain possession whenever possible, his transformation since Juventus has been remarkable. van Dijk, Lustig and Izaguirre each did well. Fraser Forster had a few saves to make, but this was one Champions League game he didn’t need to pull off a wonder-save. He was totally exposed for the goal but otherwise Ajax didn’t really stress the Celtic goalkeeper, a clue, perhaps, to the solid performance of those immediately in front of him.
Our top two Champions League performers, Georgios Samaras and Kris Commons, both put in their least effective game at this level. Samaras’ normally-reliable touch and ability to hold the ball deserted him, while Kris looked like a guy returning from injury. Slowly.
The minutia of these games are analysed by each team and after last month’s game, Frank de Boer clearly identified that Georgios was the major cog in Celtic’s machine. The striker was triangulated by opponents each time the ball came near him.
Neil Lennon was left with few choices in the middle of the park. Mulgrew and Kayal would not have been his first choice partnership, given a free hand, but the only practical change there would have been to introduce Joe Ledley. It’s far from clear what difference this would have made.
Celtic persisted in playing down the left long after it was evident this strategy was unproductive. Late in the first half one wag text me to say, “Time to bring Forrest on”, which told the whole story. Anthony Stokes was adrift, largely unconnected to the ankle clipping going on behind him. In short, our play was predictable and correctly predicted by do Boer. We didn’t have a Plan B, which even the best of teams need to avoid defeat occasionally in the Champions League.
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Blantyretim@aol.co.uk
Podi
Im a married man so I no longer take part.o))
pod i
11:28 on 8 November, 2013
BT,
what’s your take on fornication?
P
——-
He only likes it with salad dressing.
Viva la resolution…..
Poor policing in Scotland didn’t help with the problems in the Dam….where were Focus and why was the behaviour of Ajax fans in our stadium not nipped in the bud? Why were there banned fans allowed to travel? When Spivco eventually roll in expect much worse and glasgows finest to stand idly by but hey don’t sing the ROH up in Dingwall.
Kikinthenakas
Parkheadcumsalford
We haven’t been dragged into a poppy debate yet!
LB
Is off to the shops the new “off oot”?
SOAL
Beat me to it.
Falkirkbhoy says Never Give Up Oscar – johann murdoch is right, shops were not boarded up. I also agree with johann murdoch’s opinion about the overall impression.
It’s unfortunate that we did not clean up our own litter in Dam square – I think we did in Barcelona previously so maybe that’s something that needs more attention. By the way, this was nothing compared to the mess that is created every 30th April in Amsterdam.
Seriously?????
Celtic supporters are being criticised because they’re not neat enough????
No wonder the MSM feel that they can print what they want about us.
If they didn’t then there appears to be plenty within our own who’ll do the job for them.
mickbhoy 1888,
You sound as if you’re a card carrying member of the SMSM. You’re certainly lucky enough to frequent the lounges at Celtic Park, a privilege that hardly any Celtic supporter has enjoyed. Why should we pay attention to any of your utterings, as you don’t reflect our own experience?
Supporting Resolution 12 without any reservation.
Falkirkbhoy – are you Keith Jackson in disgise?
micktt – a pub in Prestwick by any chance? I’ve met him too. Decent fella, proud of his boy, and yes – played his cards close to his chest when questioned about the obvious.
Anyway, tricky wee trip to Dingwall tomorrow.
Time to give Pucki and Balde a wee start together up front me thinks.
Didn’t someone who was there post about a lack of bins….
WombleCSC
HT,
I presume no golden time for TD this afternoon? :)
Estorilbhoy
Naughty step :-)
There was a lack of bins in Amsterdam. There was also a lack of preparation and liason with the club and the city of Amsterdam. It was clear that the Scottish police force were not going to be involved. The club let the fans down. They told fans the morning of the game to be vigilant. When plain clothes officers went in what were fans supposed to think. Once it kicks off it’s hard to stop. You see a mate get hit, arrested or man handled you react. It’s human nature.
I will not be travelling to Amsterdam again to see either my team or for a holiday.
LB
Hamiltontim is praying for Oscar
11:40 on 8 November, 2013
I would like to see that. I like Pukki’s movement and I think he can offer a lot if he gets a run in the team. I’m not so optimistic about Amido, but he needs games too to show what he can do. Worth a go in the SPFL.
100% behind resolution 12.
A wee thought/suggestion for Morrissey the 23rd and Auldheid if they are around.
In his recent interview,Peter Lawwell stated more would be said at the AGM to explain what the club has done with regard to the 2011 UEFA Licence.
Would it be an idea to try to set up a meeting prior to the AGM where PL (or another rep from Celtic FC) could go through the various machinations CFC went through with Auldheid and allow Auldheid to discuss the fantastic research he has done on the subject?
This subject was never devised as a board bashing tool.
It was,as far as I am aware,to be used as a vehicle to expose the faults of a not-fit-for-purpose SFA with a view to bringing about fairer governance of our game.
If Auldheid (assuming he was up for it and available) could put forward his/our case in detail it would perhaps encourage the board to take a fresh look at the subject and their stance to date.
Celt55
You’ve pretty well summed my own feelings on the two of them although I confess my first impressions (and second, third and fourth!) may have to be tempered.
V Funny from Twitter
@CQNMagazine: Winner of the CQN Magazine Halloween fancy dress competition is the Celtic fan who went to Amsterdam dressed as a lamp post!
HH
Followed celtic for many years and never been treated as badly as I was on Amsterdam. I will never return . Also will keep my eye on Ajax results . Hope they get jumped every week . A disgrace
Humped. Sorry
LiviBhoy – God bless wee Oscar @ 11.48 hrs.
With the greatest of respect, “The club let the fans down” absolute rubbish.
Only the most naïve of people did not anticipate the potential for trouble in Amsterdam. To be vigilant is sound advice and should be a pre-requisite for any visit abroad, especially to a city such as Amsterdam.
The only way the club let the fans down was on the park.
HH, Always in Celtic.
Neil Lennon and Ally McCoist a are standing in the queue in Greggs . McCoist steals 3 pasties and sticks them in his pocket then boasts to Lennon “did you see that the staff never clocked me”
Lennon says “that’s nothing watch this” He then says to the manager ” give me 3 pasties and I will show you some leprechaurn magic” the manager hands over 3 pasties and Lennon scoffs the lot The manager says “How’s that magic” Lennon says “check that Huns pockets”
Said lamppost in action.
http://t.co/nrIHAFrAvh
HH
Great joke mickbhoy1888. A needed cheering up.
Channelislandcelt
Ha ha
Jumped!
How you doing pal?
HH
BT,
I’ve emailed you but here’s a wee nugget for you to ponder….
Right, what have the french done for us?
Except for red wine, white wine, the baguette, pomme frittes, garlic, French kissing, French letters, Sacha Distell, Yvpres, champagne, the euro, dijon mustard, tall skinny women with poodles and Napolean and his brandy.
P
livibhoy – god bless wee oscar
11:48 on 8 November, 2013
How can you apportion any blame too Celtic when approximately 10,000 didn’t take their advice and travelled without any chance of getting a match ticket.
LYMMBHOY
Reckon the tram driver is a Tim?
The UFH strikes again.
medtim
11:53 on 8 November, 2013
100% behind resolution 12.
”In his recent interview,Peter Lawwell stated more would be said at the AGM to explain what the club has done with regard to the 2011 UEFA Licence.
Would it be an idea to try to set up a meeting prior to the AGM where PL (or another rep from Celtic FC) could go through the various machinations CFC went through with Auldheid and allow Auldheid to discuss the fantastic research he has done on the subject?”
###
Spot on.
If the Board are sincere that’s what they should be doing.
With the best will in the world there’s no way this issue can be properly dealt with at the AGM.
HT – have you changed your opinion of big Balde?
Channelisland, you were right the first time…………lol
Bma
Skyisland . Wee bit worse for wear . Didn’t enjoy it one bit ! Put the tin hat on it yesterday by losing my wallet . Outside Amsterdam south train station. Got a Jersey driving licence in it amongst other things . Anyone hear anything give me a shout .
Greenpinata
The club should have been clearer about where and where not to congregate.
mickbhoy1888
Many times over people have travelled abroad without tickets. There has been no trouble. There were two warnings there would be trouble on Wednesday. The home leg was the first and the trouble the night before the game the 2nd.
The club should have been speaking to the police on the morning of the game and had someone representing the club in attendance or at the very least a steward to liase with the police on the best way to disperse the crowd in the square. If they wanted the square vacated a guy with a loud hailer would have done the job. Something along the lines of Hope you enjoyed your day. It’s now time to clear the square and make your way to the ground or a bar to enjoy the match. Job done. Nice and simple.
It’s only my opinion that the club should have taken a more active role to protect the people who pump millions into the club and create the kind of atmosphere that has the whole of Europe raving about Celtic in Europe.
LB
Bobby. IPad not idiot proof ;0)
sandman
11:40 on 8 November, 2013
Falkirkbhoy – are you Keith Jackson in disgise?micktt – a pub in Prestwick by any chance? I’ve met him too. Decent fella, proud of his boy, and yes – played his cards close to his chest when questioned about the obvious.
Yep, and he has every right to be, enjoyed the company and he is a Celtic man no doubt. Business done, be in kilwinning for beer then onto Dingwall at 3:15… anybody travelling today..
HH