It feels like rock bottom this morning and, as far as Europe is concerned, it probably is. The ties against Legia were our worst performances in Europe. Neuchâtel has a horrible 90 minutes, Artmedia was a 20 minute collapse, and we beat Utrecht comfortably at home, but this was abject over two games.
There are unfathomables, for example, it’s hard to know why a defence which was so solid last season is suddenly inert, but it will surprise no one we didn’t make Champions League football this season. The day Neil Lennon left I suggested it would be a huge ask and it’s proven to be.
We are less than two years since the high point of recent seasons, finishing ahead of Benfica and Spartak Moscow in the Champions League, but the decline can be traced slightly further back than that.
We had an 18 month purple patch of player recruitment, starting when Fraser Forster, Gary Hooper and Emilio Izaguirre arrived in summer 2010, continuing with the arrival of Wilson and Wanyama, and ending with Mikael Lustig’s signing in January 2012. We were bringing players in for a few million who were Champions League calibre.
Since Lustig, the strategy hasn’t changed, but despite signing a raft of players, for much the same money, only van Dijk has improved the team. Most are, at best, misfits or squad fillers. Things started to go wrong with the bizarre signings of Miku and Lassad in late August 2012 and ramped up last summer with the arrival of Boerrigter, Pukki, Balde and Biton. There are more, of course. Some, like Griffiths and Johansen are hitting the modest levels expected of them, but we’ve been missing the target at an alarming rate.
Ronny Deila has so far brought in a six month loaner. He’s working pretty much with the squad Neil Lennon scraped into the Champions League with last season. He’ll now know what you and I knew about the squad months ago. Most importantly, he needs backing from the club as well as the support.
He has to refresh the squad, try to clear out the deadwood, and perhaps accept that one or two of our reliable performers in recent seasons are beyond their peak. It’s critically important that whatever has been going wrong since Lustig’s arrival is put right. Stop haemorrhaging millions of players who cannot command a starting place and start finding value.
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So to recap;
Lennon Good
Debt Good
Profit Bad
New manager Bad
Lawell really Bad
Everything terrible
Will this summers signings be the ones who were behind the likes of Boerrigter last year? Work our way down the list?
HH
He has to refresh the squad, try to clear out the deadwood
=========
He might start with Berget or whatever his name is
Well done the GB.
It takes a particularly dim mind to call Poles orange bassas.
Aren’t these chumps supposed to be ‘nice’ guys?
Perhaps I was wrong to suggest giving them more space inside Paradise.
I didn;t expect too much last night but I expected us to compete and at least give them a match.
I met a few friends and a few CQNers which was the highlights of my evening. I watched the first half and saw nothing from the team. I watched the 2nd half and couldn;t bear anymore with 20 mins to go and left early for the first time in decades.
I didn;t see a Celtic team last night. I saw a bunch of players in Celtic strips running about the pitch.
The whole night was painful and embarrassing and I fear it will get worse before it gets better. I back the gaffer as he is just in but I have no idea what he is trying to do with the team. I can’t see his shape or vision. How many players have started all 4 competitive games? 5?
The team should surely be a bit more settled by now. People keep telling me Celtic will walk the league. I’m sure we will win it but I don;t expect us to get off to a flyer. The team body language is all wrong and the players in all honesty don;t know what they are meant to be doing or are refusing to do what is asked. It’s clear players are not fitting into this team and vision Ronny wants. I guess we sweep the boards and start from scratch. Will the board back the manager to do this? I have my doubts.
The players must accept most of the responsibility on the pitch in the two legs. WGS used to say that people can talk about systems, tactics and formations but the game is all about players. The players let the fans down. They are better than what we have seen the last two matches in Europe.
I was beyond gutted last night. I don;t feel much better today.
I can only hope our new gaffer gets the time and resources to fix this team because it looks disjointed, disinterested and unmotivated.
Over to you Ronny.
LB
Neil Lennon would have more credence about him just now if, he would have told the fans what players were thrust upon him.
I mean, Neil Lennon unbeaten, unbowed, unbroken by bombs and bullets but, silenced by a big scary confidentiality clause which only seem to have come into operation under PL’s watch.
Now, what does PL have to hide?
TBB – absolute nail on the head. Wholesalers of football players. The number 1 priority just now seems to be achieving the clubs valuation for a player. As soon as that valuation is met by anybody, at any time, the player is gone. See Gary Hooper. The primary strategy seems to be to buy low and raise the value. On field success is a secondary by product of this. Which is wrong on every level.
Nobody is asking for 10’s of millions to be spent but to hire a manager with a distinct football philosophy then fail to give him players to deliver the philosophy you clearly hired him for, leaves logic at the door.
The board have hung Ronny out to dry and made a difficult task for an unknown manager stepping up a few tiers almost impossible.
James Forrest clearly doesn’t do twitter :)
Sadly another author trying desperately to hide a somewhat perverse hatred of the man called Peter Lawell.
How do we repeat that rich vein of talent Paul highlighted over and over again, and how do we retain them longer and longer ? And how do we do all this when the environment works against us so much ?
No EASY answers guys. Change is coming but it has to be measured and thought out.
tom mclaughlin:
Bit strong about NFL!
From last thread:
I posted this last night when I got back from the game. As you would expect, my emotions were running high but as I was writing it I was fully aware I may feel differently in the morning but wanted to posted it in any case because that’s how I felt and I wanted to get if off my chest.
Having now slept on it, I’ve got to say, I don’t feel much differently. It’s going to be a long, long winter but eventually spring will return and bring with it, fresh growth and new hope.
Just in from the game, if that’s what you can call it. That was an utter shambles and a total embarrassment. I recognised the players on the park but not the game they were playing. And that, is down to one man. The Manager! The man is completely out of his depth and has no idea about European football. His team selection last week was, both baffling and laughable and the team ended up being lucky to get away with a 4-1 defeat. How he could play a complete stranger to the squad after one 2 hour training session will remain forever a mystery. What kind of message did that send to Stokes and Griffiths? And then if Rony boy thought he was that good, where was he tonight?
The minute this manager kept harping on about more energy and commitment is needed from the players, I thought to myself, ‘this guy’s trying to create an impression to the board’ and when he first came out with that hackneyed and much loved phrase around HR and middle management meetings, ‘I’m looking for continual personal development’, I KNEW he was trying to impress.
The man’s a clown but it’s not his fault. I reckon he is starstruck! He probably couldn’t believe that a club like Celtic would even be interested in him. From managing a nothing team up some fiord to managing Celtic in one short step has been too much for him… and he knows it. Hence all the crass management speak.
The board took a gamble on him. It didn’t pay off! They shouldn’t continue trying to recoup their lost bet. They should cut their losses now. Let him go and spend a bit of money – for we are, currently, a cash rich club – and employ a manager with a record in football management. In the meantime we will very likely lose Forster, VVD, Matthews, Commons and after watching Izzy throw his top to the GB tonight, probably him as well.
It’s all gone so wrong so quickly and that’s down to the board.
.
Malone Bhoy
12:14 on
7 August, 2014
++++++++++++++++++++++
Porto can sign South American players due to their passport/citizenship relationship with that continent…………….We can’t.
what is…
Agree 100% with your first paragraph. Even in the match against the Icelanders at Murrayfield (which we were never going to lose) there were glaring weaknesses.
Disagree 100% with your second. RD may or may not turn out to be a decent manager but please recall our performances in Europe last year and our domestic cup woes and that was with an established manager who knew the players and they knew him. Many of the players were the managers signings. Many of the players are in decline and this was clear last season. NL may very well have left because of the limitations in reinvesting in the squad but that is the position RD or any other manager would inherit.
RD has yet to put his stamp on the job and obtain players suited to the way he wants to play. Any man in his place of work is entitled to a fair chance to prove his worth.
You have already decided and that’s fair enough. While I retain doubts about the appointment I will support RD as he builds HIS team.
It is more than unfortunate our board cannot differentiate between prudence and parsimony.
Disappointed with last night but hardly surprised given last week’s disorganised performance.
Will the purse now be fully opened, I doubt it. We will continue to buy million pound players hoping to find a gem amongst them to sell on after a season or two.
Has the Balance Sheet been changed to plan “B” Peter?
What about the Standing Area now? Additional Revenue.
What about “arranging” a cup game against the Phoenix Club? Additional Revenue.
I’m sure these are some of the things under consideration.
You’ll have to work for your Bonus this time Peter.
HH
Switheringcsc
Neil Lennon a coward?
Utter utter garbage. Some people need to stay off the glue
Captain Beefheart
The Green Brigade are vehemently anti-racist/sectarian as a group, its like anywhere else in the support, those making those comments need to be either educated or thrown out for good.
Don’t know if you read back but there were more incidents outwith the GB section last night. Pointing the finger at them is MSM level garbage.
HH
Paul67
Excellent assessment, but we will get nowhere with RD ….. He was a mistake, and needs to go now ….. he is simply not inspiring the players…
Paul67
I have no issue with your thoughts on the players mentioned in the article, but as much as you question the abilities of these players, questions must be asked of the ability of our much lauded scouting department. After all, These were the players scouted and recommended by John Parks dept and then allegedly recruited on the say so of the CEO and not Neil Lennon. Does this department now also need overhauled as well as the team?
KevJungle is a Celtic fan…not a supporter.
12:31 on 7 August, 2014
Neil Lennon would have more credence about him just now if, he would have told the fans what players were thrust upon him.
I mean, Neil Lennon unbeaten, unbowed, unbroken by bombs and bullets but, silenced by a big scary confidentiality clause which only seem to have come into operation under PL’s watch.
Now, what does PL have to hide?
——————————————————————–
If there is a confidentiality clause I don’t think Neil will see it as scary, Kev. I think he will look at what money he would have to hand back and be inclined to stick to whatever he agreed.
This morning….
Celtic FC lying on the pavement waiting for a, EL exit to put them in the gutter.
Meanwhile….the died / zombie / never to be seen again huns are, two hops and a skip(assisted by mibbery) away from being in the same league again.
Who’d ah thunk, eh?
rogueleader
12:36 on 7 August, 2014
Absolutely ….. Incredible statement
My goodness either rogueleaders account been hacked. Or it can be seen at last the the emperor indeed has no clothes on
Paul67,
There’s value to be had on Scottish players currently plying their trade in the SPFL.
Armstrong & May, are better than we have at present.
I’d play Henderson and keep playing him alongside Brown in centre mid – he’ll develop over a full season, no point in playing him for 30 minutes at a time.
Unfortunately we need to start again – but will RD get the backing of the board.
We will lose games this season, but not enough to lose the league.
Time is not on our hands anymore, so don’t waste it would be my advice to RD.
John Collins will not contribute too much I reckon, his body language tells me that he’s waiting for the axe to fall on RD.
Decline started in 2012, are you kidding, try going back a further 40 years, apart from the O’Neill era when did the board invest in the team
A view from a Lisbon Lion…
Tommy Gemmell has lamented Celtic’s sensational fall from grace in Europe.
The Hoops legend, who played in two European Cup Finals, finds the downfall of his old club among the elite as completely unacceptable.
He said: “Losing 6-1 on aggregate to Legia Warsaw is a real sickener.
“Let’s face it, the Poles aren’t going to make an impact in the Champions League if, of course, they manage to negotiate the play-offs.
“In my day, teams had to work hard to eliminate Celtic from Europe.
“Sadly, that doesn’t appear to be the case nowadays. Anyone who knocked us out in the past would normally go all the way and win the European Cup or go fairly close.
“Look at when AC MIlan beat us 1-0 on aggregate in 1969. The Italians went onto win the trophy, hammering Ajax 4-1 in the Final.
“Their manager at the time was Nereo Rocco and he admitted afterwards that Celtic were his toughest test in Europe that season.
“I can’t see Henning Berg saying something similar whenever his team’s European run is over.
“Same goes for Ajax in 1971. They knocked us after winning 3-0 in Amsterdam and losing 1-0 in Glasgow. They went onto beat Panathinaikos 2-0 in the Final at Wembley.
“Can even the most fervent of the Legia Warsaw support see their team conquering Europe during this campaign?
“I’m more likely to beat Andy Murray at tennis!
“Even after I had left the club, Celtic still set high standards in Europe. Thankfully, I didn’t play in the roughhouse encounters against Atletico Madrid when they had three players sent off at Parkhead in the 1974 European Cup semi-final.
“Somehow they managed to get a goalless draw before winning 2-0 in the Spanish capital.
“And, remember, they were within a minute of winning the coveted silverware when they led Bayern Munich 1-0 in the Final.
“I cheered when I heard the West Germans had equalised with virtually the last kick of the ball and, of course, they went onto win 4-0 in the replay.”
Gemmell believes there must be serious investment in the first team squad.
He added: “Over the past couple of years the Celtic supporters have seen the likes of Ki Sung-Yeung (Swansea), Victor Wanyama (Southampton), Gary Hooper (Norwich), Kelvin Wilson (Nottingham Forest) and Joe Ledley (Crystal Palace) quit the club to move to the English top flight.
“If I’m reading the situation properly, it looks inevitable that Fraser Forster and Virgil van Dijk are about to take the same route.
“Don’t forget also Tony Watt was sold to Standard Liege for £1.2million and Amido Balde has been linked with another Belgian side, SK Lokeren.
“So, an awful lot of transfer cash has come into the club, but precious little has gone in the opposite direction.
“No-one would bet against Celtic winning the title this season and possibly the two domestic Cups, too, but they need to get back to where they belong – at the European pinnacle.
“That’s where they deserve to be. The fans want to watch an entertaining Celtic side with quality players performing at the very top.
“Sadly, they didn’t witness that against a workmanlike Legia Warsaw side.
“Too many passes went sideways or backwards and that would have had my old gaffer Jock Stein spitting blood.
“When I played full-back he told me my first touch should be to go forward. He wasn’t interested in me passing the ball inside to Billy McNeill or John Clark.
“I was told to head towards enemy territory. It’s okay getting into the other team’s half, but that’s when you have to deliver.
“I have no wish to be too critical, but I saw precious little of that at Murrayfield.”
Beware the trolls
To all the guys who moaned about Sammi – – shame on you. And if he was forced to leave because of his wages , then shame on the board.
I know Sammi wasn’t a Henke but he gave us something that bit different, and may I say, something more than has been shown recently.
Still think Stevie May is better than anything we have, so why not get him!!
Not a happy, KINGLuBO
sadly disappointed with last nights result (especially in light of my optimistic interview on SSN just prior to the game). As the club is in transition (again) there are gaps clearly apparant:-
language – Manager not using his first language struggling to express viewpoint, and players who have English as a first language not understanding what’s required.
Change of style of play, gradual changes should be implemented with new faces and training sessions (not during key matches)
Fitness, John Collins is demanding a fitness level overnight, from experience this drains players (we employ sports scientists, nutritionists and psychologists – let them programme this so maintain a balance)
Loss of home advantage – major in my view
Sack the Board – well ok! Who replaces them? In my opinion we have recently had the right people in place to run the club, and I mean this from connections, business knowledge and getting the club through a period of massive financial collapse eleswhere without the resources enjoyed by clubs south of the border. Give us some names .
I’ve asked this question a few times on here, who has bought and sold players on here? We want quality in (who doesn’t) but would you rather hear the number of refusals we have had from agents to even discuss Scotland as a playing base for their clients? I wonder how many short conversations there have been over the years and how many protracted transfer failures have happened? I don’t want players coming to us to boost their pensions (and there have been many over the years).
As I say gutted over last nights result but can’t accept more change for changes sake (before you pick up on my moniker it’s 7-8 years old now!! )
HH
bob
11:36 on 7 August, 2014
…The team seemed devoid of sprit and HEART and worryingly Fight…
Sums up last night for me.
My observations are similar to others. Ronny’s body language does not inspire me, reminds me a lot of Tony Mowbray’s; there is no passion.
On the Players,more or less the same personnel as last Season. If their Hearts are not in it then move on. They should be playing for the Club but more importantly they should be doing it for the Supporters who may not be worthy to play for great Club but who are more than worthy of supporting the Hoops.
I can see comparisons to the Moyes era at Man. Utd.
To quote an esteemed Blogger, leftclick: From the cradle to the grave…win lose or draw, I am a Celtic Supporter. Was born one, live as one and fully intend to die as one…
And from me to you all:
Four Leaf Clover upon my Chest…
Something inside so strong…
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
Captain Beefheart
12:31 on
7 August, 2014
The bold Zbyszek explained that Legia fans , whose country spent many years living under the communist jackboot have no great affection for Ernest Che Guevara Lynch and that this may well be a source of friction between the supporters.
I am going to the St Johnstone game tonight in Slovakia.
If Stevie May plays and does well I will let you all know if he is up to this level of football.
Unfortunately, he’d be cup tied if we bought him.
NatKnow
12:37 on 7 August, 2014
____________________
Would PL still be at CP just now if, Neil had come out and told the fans that, he was refusing the Celtic job coz, he found that he was unable to liv PL’s lie?
In fact, don’t even bother answering cos, I don’t intend being here till 8 o’clock the night, playing out a compendium on mind-games with yo so, scroll on past. Thanks.
On VVD issue, anything above £5m is great business!!!
Why can’t we just get a CB that can defend?!?
In all honesty, Mulgrew at CB works, his best position and still have him for set pieces
Neganon2 @12;16
Spot on.Could not agree more.
Paul have you ever disagreed with the board or even questioned the runnings of our club.at all.ever???
Tommy Gemmell
Yes it’d be nice to go forward more often as opposed to sideways.
First we must learn to string 3 passes together whichever direction they are in.
Ball retention a bloody joke.
The warning signs were there last night and but for a lucky break or 2 they could have cut through us 5 or 6 times.
HH
SydneyTim – no I just change my opinion based on the evidence in front of me.
I don’t take up a single position, copy and paste that position verbatim for years no matter what is going on in front of me, then declare myself some sort of seer when the inevitable turning of the wheel makes me correct.
Bloomin’ Happy Clappers. They were on here after the Ross County humiliation saying Neil Lennon should be given more time. See how that panned out. Bunch of know nothings.
67Heaven … I am Neil Lennon ….The angels are with Wee Oscar in Heaven.. Ibrox belongs to the creditors
12:40 on 7 August, 2014
____________________
Don’t hear ye clahahahahapping much the day, ya eejit:)
HH
Captain Beefheart @12 12
“All of my Polish friends expected us to trounce them .”
I have 2 Polish acquaintances . Both thought Legia had a good chance . Reasons ? ——-Legia play in a better League / both had watched both of Celtics Cl games against a dire AC Milan team and had been left distinctly unimpressed.
Lick My Decals Off , Baby
Those on here who ronny to be sacked,should be looking at the bigger picture,the man as they say has to work with the tools he has, some of the players cant cut it at celtic,and the 5 million dollar question is whoeis going to replace the current manager.