Trending
Celtic News Now
Celtic Quick News on News Now
Celtic Quick News
You are at:»»Harsh lesson that Celtic need to improve

Harsh lesson that Celtic need to improve

344
By on CQN BLOG & Comments

It pains me to say it, but Newco’s run in Europe this season has been exceptional.  We can make whatever excuses we like about the merits of Braga and Red Star, but this didn’t matter to us in 2003 when we eliminated Boavista, then 10th in the Portuguese league, and it should not matter now.

For much of the game last night, Leipzig looked ordinary; unable to get into the Newco box, never mind create a chance.  The goal came from a low percentage shot by a left back who moments before mis-controlled the ball to let it run out of play.

Leipzig, though, are anything but ordinary.  Defeat to two late goals by Union Berlin on Saturday was their only reversal in 17 outings, a run that includes wins away over Atalanta, Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund and Real Sociedad. They remain favourites to progress to the final, but the game did not go to plan for the Germans and their place in the final is not assured.

Four years ago today we beat Newco 5-0 to win the league on our way to being the first Scottish team to retain the treble.  That day, that season, was enormous fun, but it was one in a long line of seasons when Celtic were not pushed.  Strategically, that treble did less for us than I hope the Scottish Cup semi-final defeat two weeks ago will do.  You and I now know we need to improve for next season.

To win this league we will need to better a team who reached a European semi-final.  If we do, it would be a remarkable achievement for a new manager and overwhelmingly new playing squad.  For the remainder of this season and almost certainly next season, we face-off against a very competitive outfit for a Champions League bounty that would be transformational to whoever wins.

 

Click Here for Comments >
Share.

About Author

344 Comments
  1. Pages:
  3. 1
  4. 2
  5. 3
  6. 4
  7. 5
  8. 6
  9. 7
  10. 8
  11. 9
  12. 10

  1. IniquitousIV on

    SAINTSTIVS

     

    Thanks to you as well! I need to do more reading on the lower leagues.

     

    In other news, Griff was sadly substituted again by a losing Falkirk team. I can only remember him scoring one goal for them. Changed days for him, indeed.

  4. IniquitousIV on

    If Northampton Town drop 2 points today ( 1-1 at 90 minutes so far ), it gives all 4 teams in playoff position ( including Port Vale ) a chance to get automatic promotion. Gripping finish to that league.

  10. An Tearmann on

    THE BLOGGER FORMERLY KNOWN AS GM on 30TH APRIL 2022 5:08 PM

     

     

    Grace sung by Rod Stewart or The Wolfe Tonnes?.

     

     

    Both are OK.there is a range of singers,none compair tho with Celtic fans singing it,in full voice,lovely 😊

     

     

    HH

  15. Saint Stivs on

    JACKIEMAC on 30TH APRIL 2022 5:32 PM

     

    What drove Jinky? Was he he just a contrary bassa?

     

     

    ———

     

     

    just this morning i was reading David Potters Celtics greatest games.

     

     

    before the league cup final 1969 celtic v hibs, and the tactical discussions in preperation.

     

    jinky is nervous, gets wound up if he doesnt have any instructions from the boss, thinks he is not playing, no mentions, no details.

     

     

    he has the players figuring out who is playing by the tactics and comments, overlaps and when to shoot, an agitated jinky finally speaks up ………….

     

     

    and what about me boss ?

     

     

    och you just dae whit yi want.

  18. the_huddle on

    Both snooker semi finals have been outstanding quality, even with Higgins being below par, Ronnie still having to bring his top game.

     

     

    Trump/Williams match has been unreal.

  22. Saint Stivs on

    MARTIM1980 on 30TH APRIL 2022 5:51 PM

     

    Worth reading back today or is it mainly the same poster every 5 mins?

     

     

    ———-

     

     

    nae posters,

     

    maybe one commper per hour until IQ5 kept us up to speed on the scores.

     

     

    but very few interlopers of master debators.

     

     

    a quite afternoon after , the calm before the storm if you like

  23. Brian f on

    You talk some amount a Colin Nish turkey.your better Aff over there far and away in your own wee stupid world oofft 😂😂

  24. Martim1980 on

    SAINT STIVS on 30TH APRIL 2022 5:56 PM

     

     

    Thanks for the time saver!

     

     

    Same system and process tomorrow hopefully, with occasional direct, maybe even ‘long’ ball skipping the midfield thugs attempting to snap ankles.

     

     

    We’ve got some advantages, grass will be cut, pitch will be watered, football’s at a decent air pressure. Funny how conditions like these were the same at i-broke AND hamdump.

     

     

    Trust the process and win the league with style, just keep playing proper football and embarass any attempts to play negatively🍀

  26. Tom McLaughlin on

    What a semi-final that was, culminating in about 20 minutes of Williams chasing 3 snookers.

     

     

    Williams was 1-7 down yesterday, so to take it to the last frame was fantastic.

     

     

    Edge of seat stuff.

  29. Tom McLaughlin on

    Higgins v O’Sullivan final session start in 20 minutes. Higgins Trailing 9-15 so he needs to win 8 of the last 9 frames.

     

     

    Not gonna happen unfortunately.

     

     

    Should be a cracking final. I won’t see much of it tomorrow as I will be celebrating a Celtic victory over Rangers.

  32. David66 on

    Right bhoys as I sit here with a pre match cold can of Tennents or 10 what is people’s team selection and score prediction for manana?

     

     

    I will start it off:

     

     

    Hart

     

     

    Ralsto CCV Starfelt Greg

     

     

    Rogic Cal Mac

     

     

    Maeda

     

     

    Jota Kyogo

     

     

    GG

     

     

    4 – 0

     

     

    D :)

  36. Tom McLaughlin on

    MNCELT

     

     

    I suspect that the majority of CQN regulars are old enough to have grown up watching Jinky play. How blessed we are to have witnessed his genius first hand and enjoyed the sheer majesty and poetry of his unique brand of entertainment.

     

     

    A once in a lifetime football player.

  37. Turkeybhoy on

    Brian F,

     

    Told you before,but you seem too stupid to listen.Stop making a complete Fud of yourself,trying to be something you are not.Intelligent,witty,knowledgeable about football.

     

    Not comparing Henryk and Kyogo,except to say one was the best then,the other the best now.Why would you think of dropping one.

     

    “My wee stupid world”,is something could only dream off,and never aspire to.Don’t let jealousy stop you.Keep posting.

  38. bigrailroadblues on

    Good night all from the Bon Accord. Time for home before the trouble starts. She’s a lovely girl though.

  41. David66 on

    Adi – I would try and get as many forward thinking players on as possible without compromising our defensive duties.

     

     

    I just think tomorrow is a perfect opportunity with sevco having injuries and 1 eye on the euro semi.

     

     

    So go for it.

     

     

    D :)

  1. Pages:
  3. 1
  4. 2
  5. 3
  6. 4
  7. 5
  8. 6
  9. 7
  10. 8
  11. 9
  12. 10