Auchinleck Talbot are a sixth-tier club, so I didn’t want to mention this after Sunday’s game, but the passing at Kilmarnock was so much crisper than I have seen from Celtic this season. The observation was discarded as I assumed it was because the opposition were unable to press Celtic players out of their comfort zone.
We started the same way last night. The minutes before the opening goal were characterised by pass-and-move routines from Celtic that we scarcely saw throughout 2025. Bologna pressed but the man in possession was always comfortable and had options. That panicked feeling when we were pressed that the ball would inevitably go all the way back to Kasper Schmeichel, then possession would be lost, never materialised.
The calamitous opening goal Bologna conceded resulted in Celtic pressing an Italian home side out of their comfort zone. Cheaply given but thoroughly appreciated.
Racial stereotypes are best avoided, but is it safe to say Japanese players are just too honourable? A minute after Reo Hatate’s opener, Daizen Maeda was clean through 40 yards out when he was bundled from behind. Daizen is made of sturdy stuff, so was able to continue; if it was me, I’d have collapsed like a proverbial sack of potatoes. Had Daizen fallen, a red card would have followed.
Daizen stayed on his feet, Yang latched onto his pass and came close to adding a second goal with a shot the keeper only just got a hand to. A goalscoring chance was not denied, so the referee was unable to act.
Small incidents can change the flow of football games. On receiving a ball out of defence, Reo Hatate tried to hold the ball in, but it ran through him, allowing Bologna to open an attack and put Celtic under sustained pressure for the first time. The same thing happened 10 minutes later, when Reo was bundled to the ground, again Bologna were able to press Celtic for several minutes.
The two yellow cards Reo received soon thereafter were inexplicable for an experienced player. They should be a learning experience for the whole squad.
With Bologna still trying to figure out how to react to their one man advantage, Daizen forced a corner from a long ball into the right channel. Kieran Tierney has been written off by a few of us. His return has not delivered the same form he last enjoyed in green and white. Perhaps another appraisal is due.
A decision at Lennoxtown to have Kieran take corners from the Celtic right proved inspired. KT’s delivery was excellent and Arne Engels proved he can get on the end of deliveries. Auston Trusty was dominant throughout the game but no more so five minutes from the break, when he knocked this set-piece over the line.
The second half is so difficult to assess from a tactical point of view. Celtic had a two goal lead to defend, away in Italy, with 10 men, so doing so as deeply as they did was understandable. Martin pulled the full backs inside, Out of possession, Daizen dropped into the traditional left back spot.
There was a six-man back line with Yang, Engels and McGregor 10-15 yards in front. The relentless series of crosses and passing in front of the Celtic box inevitably led to a goal. Whatever the plan was at halftime, an early change in shape may have been more effective.
I have seen chat that Kasper Schmeichel could have done better at each Bologna goal, but I disagree. The first was from point-blank range and he was unsighted at the second. More than that, he pulled off saves I have yet to see from Viljami Sinisalo. The big Dane still has a part to play.
The match stats tell one story: Bologna 36 attempts, Celtic 8. Not all attempts are equal, though. All of Celtic’s were from inside the penalty box and four of those were inside the six-yard box. Bologna were hitting shots from 30 yards. Their two goals only slightly under-delivered on an expected goals of 2.46.
The prospect of playing 18 minutes plus added time after the equaliser was daunting, but Bologna had fired their bolt. Celtic’s defenders dominated the game from that moment on.
I don’t want to touch on a negative after such a good performance, but Colby Donovan, Anthony Ralston, Liam Scales, Auston Trusty and Kieran Tiernay have all looked poor this season. Each betrayed by a system which left them exposed. See what happens when a management team who can structure a midfield and defence are in charge? They were all excellent, Liam and Auston in particular. Even the recently maligned Anthony, who was calm personified in possession. Honda Civics they are not. It’s all about the system.
This remains Celtic’s worst season in five, but the club which wins more games and trophies than any other in world football is edging back on track. That will confound those who spend their emotional energy trying to convince friends, readers and media colleagues that Celtic are a badly run football club. God help them if the result on Sunday goes against their world view. It’s so much easier just to complain than to self-reflect.
469 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- ...
- 13
- »
DESSYBHOY on 23RD JANUARY 2026 5:13 PM
Which needs to change I think
The role of the Chairman needs to change? Thats not just a description of the Chairman’s role at Celtic, its for all Chairpersons at organisations with a Board of directors.
AT
Yes Calum class,
“He has helped me think about football in a different way… You start to understand the game, how it’s pieced together and how it should look with the ball, without the ball… He makes you feel like a million dollars when you walk on to the pitch.”
Calum on Brendan Rodgers
No the direction and strategy of the plc
Some on here must have got their knuckles rapped for speaking out about the board a few weeks ago, interesting watching them change their tune with the usual aggressive posture.
You ain’t foolin’ nobody, flip flop.
Captain should have batted the Nancy question away. 100% focus on hearts game – post mortem at end of season.
Don’t give the media an inch
Disappointed the board didn’t sign a player to give the team a boost and some energy for Sunday. If we lose I will never forgive the board – losing means we won’t sign 2-3 of the quality needed.
A board that never seems aligned with fans and the psychological side of the game.
onion bears artistic department have been busy all along the m8 roadsigns.
their graffiti is shite.
I agree that Martin O’ Neill would not like to be Director of Football given that the areas covered by the job are not to MON strengths. However, it doesn’t mean that a Director of the PLC is ruled out. Martin lives in London and Board meetings are infrequent. He has the skills to be a major addition to the brand, In fact, it would be poor judgement not to keep him involved.
Shaun Maloney has been at Celtic 3 times so there are obvious reasons for him being associated with us. He has credentials to be manager but also a PLC director. We shouldn’t lose him. We need him with the first team,
Mark Fotheringham has shown his deep affection to our club and dropped everything to be at Lennoxtown. His dedication is impressive.
These 3 have shown that they know their stuff and dont need any further demonstration of their love and ability. We shouldn’t lose them, In fact, if we had appointed them and the Nancy debachle would never have happened. In fact, this fact alone has demonstrated that Pauls opinion of being a well run team is wrong. We should never have appointed Nancy and lots predicted it even those who originally supported him.
What some bloggers dont understand in their criticism of our Board is our hostile environment is that we have a hostile Media, a hostile SFA and SPFL. That is a good reason for appointing Celtic men to key positions, I get it about horses for courses but Gordon Strachan became a Celtic man. Celtic men make the extra stretch for the Brand, I remember when Dr Joseph Venglos opined that Glasgow was the only City in Europe when the local Press were against a local club.
I wonder if the demand by others for New Directors could be met by appointments of martin and Shaun plus a permanent Coaching role for Fozzy.
ta for the callum presser.
he said what i said. trying to force change too quickly.
change is a process.
For me a good choice for Director of Football would be John Collins.
i dont like the only in Glasgow patter used mostly by huke.
there is hatred for city , local, town . school, rivals everywhere.
it gives the old firm brand a lift up that is untrue.
john is full of his own superiority complex.
any other recommendations? non celtic minded but succesful elsewhere
Just wondering how long TC will last on Sunday before he goes of with hamstring injury 🤔🥴
Hammys’r’us. 🫣
celtic40me on 23rd January 2026 3:56 pm
Well said. Excellent summary.
Weeron.
https://twitter.com/i/status/2014627528879796486
I’m sure you’re beaming with pride.
Saint Stivs on 23rd January 2026 8:06 pm
Shocking behaviour and achieves absolutely nothing.
Callum McGregor on Wilfried Nancy at Celtic:
“It was too much, too soon. A massive shift away from how we’d played for 10+ years.”
No pre-season. Games every three days. Learning during matches in the harshest environment possible.
“When confidence goes, everyone struggles. We’re human.”
Honest. Powerful. Telling. 🍀 ⬇️
===============
https://twitter.com/i/status/2014436171951083754
Paul,
Funnily enough,I can recall another night,in Bergamo,when we took on the Europa winners,with again,a patched up team,a loan kid at LB,so well run were we,and got a 0-0 draw.Trusty and Scales having their best ever game,under Brendan,God forbid I mention his name.
Not trumpet blowing,but I have always backed Trusty on here,when many did not.Printing. his “Best CH in the Championship.Most headed clearances,most blocks,most tackles,most interceptions” awards,playing in a very difficult league.They were all there.Just needed a wee search.I had also watched him thinking,” We could be doing with someone like him”
Delighted we have him.
saint stivs @ 8.06
Was it anyone we know on here?
Not a great advert for the rebels….
Still they’ll have their supporters it has to be said…
Maybe it would have been better to politely ask them if they weren’t going to buy the players we need, could they step aside and let people who will, do so.
SS,
Saw that video earlier.
F@cking embarrassing.
Celtic FC and XS2Event are pleased to announce a new partnership aimed at making the Scottish champions more accessible to football fans from around the world.
Through this collaboration, Celtic FC will further strengthen its international reach and visibility, while making it easier for overseas supporters to attend matches at Celtic Park.
With XS2Event, Celtic FC welcomes an internationally operating technology partner that works with sports and ticketing organisations in more than 120 countries.
Through its technology platform, XS2Event enables travel professionals worldwide to offer official tickets to major sporting events, making it easier for fans to attend matches as part of their trip. As a result, Celtic becomes more accessible for foreign fans who want to experience the club, the stadium, and the distinctive matchday atmosphere in Glasgow.
Jeroen Huis in ’t Veld, co-founder of XS2Event, commented: “We are proud to partner with a club of Celtic’s stature and history. Celtic has an enormous global fanbase, and this cooperation makes it much easier for international supporters to attend matches at Celtic Park.
“Our mission at XS2Event is to make sporting events more accessible for travellers worldwide, and working with Celtic FC is a perfect fit with that ambition.”
Ben Slater, Head of Business Development at Celtic FC, added: “Celtic is a truly global football club, with supporters across the world. Through our partnership with XS2Event, we are improving access for overseas fans who want to experience Celtic Park on a matchday.
“At the same time, this collaboration helps us significantly increase our international visibility and connect with new audiences in key markets.”
This partnership highlights Celtic FC’s ongoing focus on international growth and fan engagement, while reinforcing XS2Event’s role as a leading platform for the global distribution of official sports tickets to the travel industry.
SS,
And there are other much worse videos going around.
If someone did that to me when I was with my wife then I would not forget.
HH.
Another layer of mark up tickets for the fans, wonderful
saint stivs
Ok the guy’s got a bit of a sense of humour…..
As has Michael to be fair..
(“The most despised guy in Glasgow”) according to one on here
Saint Stivs on 23rd January 2026 8:06 pm
Not exactly a great advert in support of their objective of sacking the Board.
Not a great way of a getting the best people to replace them either.
We talk about Martin taking a place on the board, why would you want the bother at 74 years old
Wee bit disappointed that Jonny Kenny seems to have some kind of calf strain, hopefully not too bad…
Not that he would start Sunday, nor that he has set the heather on fire in Scotland
Only that myself, and precious few others, believe he brings something to the game…
Was a good substitute last night too, gave us a wee bit of an out ball as did Bernardo funnily enough
And that we need as many forward players as possible from here on in
Hot Smoked
I’m watching Arbroath v Morton. That’s a hell of a wind blowing in your part of the world!
Always good to know your true value to the people whose money you’re spending. Or, in this case, not spending.
Think of it as a barometer.
Or a preview of the yardstick they’ll use to beat you with if this continues.
https://x.com/yvonneridley/status/2014644403776753767#m
https://www.celticway.co.uk/news/
From jobo
*SENTINEL CELTS PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2025-26*
*RESULTS FROM GAME #37 BOLOGNA 2 CELTIC 2 (HATATE, TRUSTY)*
Good evening, friends.
What a magnificent performance last night, executed to perfection under the guidance of Martin O’Neill, possibly the oldest ever Celtic man to receive a yellow card!
Great performances all over the park which is reflected in the spread of votes received. Many of the emails made honourable mentions of the players who nearly made their top 3.
Celtic have now played 37 games, and have won 19, drawn 7 and lost 10. We have scored 62 goals and conceded 39.
As for the voting numbers, my overwhelming thanks for the joint 5th highest turnout of the season. 107 folk took time to make their nominations. And given that our draw meant that I only needed 80 to trigger a charity donation it means another contribution to the pot – £3 for hitting the 80 vote target plus 20p for every vote above 100 means a donation of £4.40, bringing this season’s total to £60.60.
The total votes cast for each player are as follows, with my own nominations asterisked.
Schmeichel: 33
Donovan*: 9
Trusty: 99
Scales: 58
Tierney*: 53
McGregor: 12
Engels: 7
Hatate: 0
Yang: 1
Maeda*: 49
Tounekti: 0
Nygren: 0
Kenny: 0
Ralston: 0
Bernardo: 0
Unused substitutes: Balikwisha, Doohan, Forrest, Isiguzo, McArdle, McCowan, Murray, Sinisalo
And so, the POINTS earned by each player for the game against Bologna are as follows –
25 points: Trusty
22 points: Scales
19 points: Tierney
16 points: Maeda
14 points: Schmeichel
12 points: McGregor
11 points: Donovan
10 points: Engels
9 points: Yang
6 points each: Bernardo, Hatate, Kenny, Nygren, Ralston, Tounekti
1 point each: Balikwisha, Doohan, Forrest, Isiguzo, McArdle, McCowan, Murray, Sinisalo
The cumulative points achieved after 37 games played are now –
505: Scales
503: McGregor
440: Tierney
386: Engels
351: Trusty
346: Maeda
342: Hatate
327: Nygren
308: Yang
303: Tounekti
289: Schmeichel
268: McCowan
267: Forrest
247: Donovan
192: Ralston
191: Kenny
188: Iheanacho
158: Carter-Vickers and Saracchi
142: Bernardo
97: Murray
78: Yamada
75: Balikwisha
63: Sinisalo
60: Johnston
42: Araujo
40: Osmand
23: Inamura
19: Idah
14: Simpson-Pusey
7: Doohan
2: Isiguso
1: Hale, Hayney and McArdle
0: All the other players who’ve not yet made a matchday squad!
Our next game kicks off at 3.00pm on Sunday when we travel to face the league leaders, Hearts. Hopefully Tomas Cvancara gets an entry on my POTY spreadsheet!
Hail Hail!
Day after Seville, Collins was in same hotel, holding court ,all he did was slag Celtic players and tactics, giving it the totally simplistic nonsense, that you have to keep the ball……no thanks a dreamer,why has he not been involved at any Club for a long time?
A few months ago I referred to rangers supporters who were abusing their ceo and head of football from a distance verbally at Brann airport as the lowest scum.
My wife said would I say they were pond life scum if it was Celtic supporters.
I replied that Celtic supporters would not behave in that way.
Worse than the Ibrox scum then ? Was her obvious question tonight. Hard to refute on the evidence.
Still the guys mum and dad and kids will be proud of him. He told the man.
Yawn 🪱🐛
Wrapped up in his favourite fleg.