Someone asked me a few weeks ago if this was a must-win game. Clearly it’s not, the cup games are must-win, as is the coming league game against Aberdeen, but tomorrow night is an important weathervane, indicating if the club is on the road to recovery.
Since that great high against Barcelona, we have faced Italian opposition twice, both in 2013, losing home games 0-3 to Juventus and Milan. You can trace the decline in European performances through a subsequent Champions League group stage which concluded with five defeats, and last summer’s abject qualification campaign.
Indications are we are a better team now than we were in August, or even when qualifying from our Europa League group, but there is still an almighty task ahead tomorrow night. I suspect none of this recent history will affect Ronny and his players. The manager has told the players they can win. Most of them are playing like they have a point to prove, all of them are looking forward to the challenge.
Inter will know they’ve been in a game.
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If anyone wants to watch the game live in Chennai on Friday morning I can help.
With watching the game that is, not with getting to Chennai. Although I can advise on transportation, accommodation and mosquito defence. Among other things.
Don’t know if someone has printed previously … From the press conference this last hour
Sorry guys timeline reads from the bottom up.
SB: “John Clark reminds us how big a fixture this is. He’s done that for 47/48 years,” he joked. “Hopefully we can make our own history.”0 replies8 retweets12 favorites
SB on @Inter players potentially impacting his play: “I’m not concerned in the slightest.”0 replies15 retweets13 favorites
SB: “A draw would be a great result and if we could get a lead that would be great too.”0 replies3 retweets7 favorites
SB: “I’ve been in that position before. Quite a lot of times. You just have to focus on trying to get a result.”0 replies3 retweets7 favorites
SB on bookings/suspensions: “It doesn’t come into my mind at all. It won’t stop me going to win the ball. If it happens, it happens.” #UEL0 replies4 retweets9 favorites
SB: “They are up there. @Inter is a great team and it’s a big task for us but it’s a chance that we’re looking forward to.” #UEL0 replies2 retweets4 favorites
SB: “We have watched a couple of videos of @Inter . We have seen the way they press and create chances.” #UEL0 replies2 retweets4 favorites
SB on fitness: “The more games you get the fitter and stronger you get. It’s good to get games under your belt and stay fit.” #UEL0 replies3 retweets2 favorites
SB: “I can’t tell you our tactics but we’ve been working on little bits and bobs. We’ll have to wait and see.” #UEL0 replies2 retweets3 favorites
SB: “We are set in the way the gaffer wants us to play and everyone is pressing high. We’re as fit as we’ve ever been probably.”0 replies8 retweets10 favorites
SB on new signings @Gary__11 and @StuArmstrong16 : “It will be a big game for them but they are as ready as they’ll every be.”0 replies2 retweets6 favorites
SB: “Going out in front of 60,000 Celtic fans is a great experience and lets the players see how big the club really is.” #UEL0 replies11 retweets19 favorites
Scott Brown speaking to the media: “It’s a huge challenge but we are looking forward to it.” (MD)
Celtic Football Club@celticfc ·
The manager’s press conference is now finished. Next up we’ll have Celtic captain @ScottBrown8 #UEL (MD)0 replies2 retweets1 favorite
RD on new signings: “You learn from experiences and they have shown they are ready to play for Celtic.”0 replies5 retweets9 favorites
RD on Roberto Mancini: “I went to watch his training at @MCFC and see how they do things.”0 replies4 retweets5 favorites
RD on winning the #UEL: “Everything is possible in football but we have to be realistic. We’re not favourites but it’s a cup.”0 replies3 retweets9 favorites
RD: “A lot of it will be about winning the midfield.
RD: “They have a lot of pace in the midfield and are aggressive. When they lose it they try to win it back so there will be a good tempo.”0 replies3 retweets3 favorites
RD: “One of Inter’s biggest strengths is set-plays so for us to be good in those situations is important.” #UEL0 replies4 retweets3 favorites
RD on being underdogs: “If you look at the budget Inter Milan has it’s different from ours. It’s a different league and different level.”0 replies4 retweets2 favorites
RD on a full stadium: “That’s why our results are so good at home – the fans.” #UEL0 replies17 retweets18 favorites
RD: “Broony, Nir, Stefan, Virgil, all these individuals have improved. We are a totally different team from that time (Champions League)”0 replies9 retweets8 favorites
RD: “It’s hard to say how much we have improved but if you have an eye for football you can see we are a totally different team.” #UEL0 replies6 retweets9 favorites
RD: “It’s important to be ourselves. We have gone through what we will do with the players and we are ready for the match tomorrow.”0 replies7 retweets4 favorites
RD: “It’s a big, important match and a very big test for us.
RD on Inter : “They have good momentum now in their last two games. It seems like they have stepped up a bit.”0 replies3 retweets5 favorites
RD: “We have the best supporters in the world, in my opinion.
RD: “It’s a test as a team, not individuals. There will be an incredible atmosphere.”
RD: “If we perform as good as we can do then we have a good chance. If that’s a draw then we have to be happy with that.
RD: “I talk about performances so we’ll see. Inter Milan has a lot of history and they have brought in a lot of good players.
RD: “I have a good feeling, we have good togetherness and we are looking forward to the game.”0 replies7 retweets7 favorites
RD: “We have an exciting squad with young players and these matches are important to improve and show what level you are at.”0 replies6 retweets6 favorites
RD: “I’ve had many big games and this is probably the biggest challenge. We go into the match with a lot of confidence.”0 replies13 retweets19 favorites
RD: “Commons trained today but we’re not sure if he’ll be fit for tomorrow. If it’s a gamble it’s not worth it.”0 replies14 retweets17 favorites
The Hoops boss is now speaking to the media: “This is a huge game and it’s historic as well.” (MD)
Good stuff JJ.
I thought about making an appearance but I’ll be coming straight from work.
I won’t exactly be like a craw but I’ll feel a bit self conscious about meeting the 6 foot 6, built like a tank, adonis-like inhabitants of cqn corner :))
Now that night in November 2012 will always have a big place in my memory and my heart
CELTIC 2 Barcelona 1.
Everything about IT was special .
Our 125th anniversary, the mass the evening before, the GB tifo, Celtic played like a team possessed beating what many people considered the best team on the planet.
My son wrote a story for school on ‘ the best day of my life’ and that game was what he picked. It was almost spiritual just being there and sharing it with my bhoy.
Yes, we rode our luck, defended brilliantly as a team but we thoroughly deserved it.
I have this same feeling of destiny about tomorrow’s game, probably with all the talk of 67 and our recent performances.
I may be mad but I actually think we have a better team now than played Barca that famous night.
The goalkeepers are similar in stature and talent , our centre of defence more solid than and reliable than Efe & Kelvin.
In fact the only 2 players I think would enhance the current team are Vic and Joe.
What do u think…..V Barca
Forster, Lustig, Matthews, Wilson , Ambrose, Commons, Samaras, Mulgrew, Wanyama,Ledley,Miku.
Probable v Inter
Gordon, Matthews, Izzy, Denayer, Van Dijk, Brown, Biton,Armstrong,GMS, Johansson & The Griff.
I predicting another crazy night with this crazy club in Paradise and a 2 nil victory.
Jimbo 71 Thoughts and prayers are with u.
Burghbhoy
I think Barca underestimated Celtic on the night.
The team were galvanised by the 125 celebrations.
I do not see Inter doing the same. Group format also allows for slip ups.
Inter really need to progress in the tournament. Totally different matches.
I hope it’s a special night for us. I suspect it will be tight though.
LB
RD: “It’s hard to say how much we have improved but if you have an eye for football you can see we are a totally different team.”
In which case, I have an eye for football.
JJ
livibhoy
You’re such a spoilsport!!
Lol
I would go with Leigh Griffiths tomorrow night and wouldn’t take the chance with Kris,We have lots of big games coming up where he is needed.
glasgowdave
Thank you for Press conference updates post.
Burghbhoy
Anything is possible on these magic nights under the floodlights.However, such is the financial gap now between the have’s and the have nots, that the stars need to alingn before we realistically have a chance.
Inter will need to play below par, and we will have to click on the night.
Looking at the team above, it does look good, as always Izzy will be targeted on our LHS so we need our midfield to support him when we loose the ball.
It’s going to be a roller coaster night, we just have to make sure we do not concede early like last time we played the Italians, and keep the atmosphere going, then we can begin to dream.
HH
Burghbhoy,
Thank you
Burghbhoy
I’m always on the side of caution in these games. The truth of the matter is I don;t know a lot about Inter and I am basing my thoughts on how Italian teams historically play. They won;t panic. If it is 0-0 in the tie to the last minute in Milan they still won;t panic and from my experience of watching Shaqiri he is a very dangerous player. If everyone is on the top of their game and wins their individual battles though we may just get the win.
I hope I am proved totally wrong and they are all over the place and we skelp them. If there are to be goals we need to score first and keep the crowd noisy.
LB
Celtic park
Where magical things happen
http://www.thecelticwiki.com/page/Quotes+-+About+Celtic
JJ,
It was either one of the great thinkers of our time or kojo (always get them muddled up) who said ‘never show an Eejit or a bairn a half done job’ when speaking about the team earlier in the season.
A great wee saying that I have since pinched and use quite often. Usually when I’m diy-ing :)
As has been pointed out, our players are not stretched in the SPFL as our opposite numbers tomorrow evening are in Italy. Our players will only really improve if they play such opposition regularly (I mean, week in week out). That is why I have been hoping for years that we joined a more competitive league.
We shouldn’t be surprised or worried if we get beat tomorrow night. Mind you, I’ll be as delighted as everyone else (and probably more so) if we win.
I know very little about Inter but I would be surprised if their Goalkeeper is as good as ours. I would also be surprised if their two central defenders are as good as Jason and Virgil. They won`t have a better passer than Nir, one with more energy than Stefan nor one as influential as Broony. GMS and Armstrong may also be a match for whatever they have on offer and Leigh G is always likely to bang one in.
So, overall, I am not so sure if the ” Inter are far superior” mantra can be truly justified.
JJ
Jungle Jim Hot Smoked
15:57 on 18 February, 2015
Well said sir
BELIEVE!!!!
JJ
Loving your positivity.
Let’s get tore right into them!
Jimbob71,where in Belfast is the mass being held? Again, are you over for the weekend?
Jungle Jim Hot Smoked
We DONT have anyone who can match their diving/antic’s which i’m sure we’ll see tomorrow evening.
chelsea fans really showed their true colours last night
they wouldnt let a black man on a train
surprised that there is very mention of it on this blog
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/18/met-police-join-search-chelsea-fans-caught-abusing-black-man-film-paris-metro
Afternoon
Apologies for my political discussions earlier
I think Tony Donnelly was on yesterday about NAFCSC and the problems with the Riviera hotel.
I have spoken with the Travel Agent and a definitive answer will be given on Monday. I got the impression though that it is less certain that the hotel will close as earlier reports would suggest.
Public Service Announcement over
Jimbo67
chelsea fans really showed their true colours last night
they wouldnt let a black man on a train
surprised that there is very little mention of it on this blog
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/18/met-police-join-search-chelsea-fans-caught-abusing-black-man-film-paris-metro
Looking to take some locals to experience a Celtic match at Mcveighs bar in Toronto tomorrow, any members of the Downtown Toronto CSC on here…Just looking to make sure the game is being shown.
Usually watch the games at Burlington or Bramalea.
Cheers
Neillybhoy
“That’s was so special about them right there, Jim. Just right up there; that’s what’s so special about them. They’re there and they’re always there. And God bless every one of them.”
Tommy Burns, May 1988 (being interviewed just after we’d won the league and cup double in our Centenary year)
livibhoy@ 15 51.
Agree that Shaqiri is dangerous. Good left foot , good right foot..Pace and skill.A very aggressive wee guy .Tends to get lippy with the opposition and the Ref.
west of ireland csc
I thought Pat Nevin, like a Cocteau Twins version of St Patrick, had cleansed Chelsea from the snake of racism, all those years ago
Gerinterem!
west of ireland csc
Like most I was appalled and sickened when watching the video.I thought the young man involved showed great courage and dignity by tryng repeatedly to get on the train.
I agree with the majority of people i’ve read on twitter today.
by all means ban those identified from attending SB for life, but also make sure every last one of them is prosecuted also..
I have recently watched Selma, and had hoped that these attitudes had been consigned to the past, unfortunately not.
These people are a real scurge on any civilised society.
HH
Neillybhoy
If work permits, I may see you there!
Oh dear
To all supporters who attend Tynecastle,
Please can we ask for your assistance in trying to prevent damage in the stands. If you come across any situation which is causing, or may cause, damage then please notify either a steward or member of staff so that possible damage can be minimised.
On Saturday last, in the Main Stand, all of the sinks in a ladies toilet were blocked with hand-towels, presumably thrown in the sinks rather than placed in the bins provided.
The taps were left running, causing serious flooding, not just in the toilets concerned, but in the lounge below.
As well as causing damage, this was potentially dangerous as the water was seeping through light fittings.
We have implemented a series of additional checks, but would very much appreciate supporters notifying us of any potential problem if they come across any such situation.
With thanks, as ever, for your cooperation.
http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/news/4176
LB
O, G,
Cultural change is never that easy, as we all know. But I despair when I see the abuse Pat takes now. His stand then was just something to make you proud he was one of us. Whatever us means, but I hope it includes you Pat and me.
Livibhoy,
That explains where Paul67s missing paper towels went :)
Sounds good Mike, i talked to you on here a couple of years ago before i made the move, I’m still due you a pint…
Are the games shown in the main bar or is it upstairs in McVeighs?
Having just won a few friends with my positivity about Celtic, I think I may lose them now with my comments on Chelsea.
When I was a wee boy, I liked Chelsea because, to my infant ears, it sounded just a tiny bit like Celtic.So, when I later lived in Eastbourne,( and I was not aware of the Chelsea/Rangers connection. Indeed, none of the Chelsea fans I knew were aware of it either. In fact, one of them said that he thought Celtic and Chelsea had a kind of affinity because of Davy Hay. In general , though, they were not interested in Scottish football)I did go to a couple of Chelsea games and found them pretty much the same as any football fans apart from the Huns. ie Chelsea had a `scum` element` but they really were in a small minority and not at all noticeable at Home games. Most of their fans, like most human beings, were good blokes and the reception given to Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, even when he scored against Chelsea while playing for Wigan, suggested that the horrible racism in Paris was not typical of the general Chelsea support.
I know it is not easy for Celtic supporters in Scotland to view Chelsea as anything other than London Huns but, unless it is becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy, I can say for certainty that the Chelsea fans I knew ( and know) were not remotely interested in the Huns ( and were only interested in Celtic because they knew me),
JJ
Geordie Munro
Sounds like the wet bandits from Home Alone to me!
LB
Livibhoy,
Ha!
Nice one :)
Jungle Jim Hot Smoked
Who is your English team bugs me like the aye but who do you really support question to anyone who supports one of Scotland’s diddy clubs.
I have no real desire to watch any of the English fitba but if I lived there I would probably watch my local side.
I did meet some Donegal Chelsea fans once in Letterkenny when we were over for the weekend. FA Cup final when Di Matteo scored in about 20 seconds and scratched my heid at that one.
I think the home match attenders of Chelsea are more the upper class punters than previous years but their away support still have some knuckle draggers from the old days. Most clubs in England do though. There is a still a football mob culture down south.
Would never cheer for Chelsea myself but each to their own. Couldn;t give a jot about any English team and want them all soundly pumped in Europe.
LB
Jungle Jim
A shocking post after your previous great one. U have went way down in my estimation!