Our two loan signings on the final day of the transfer window, Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers, have been crucial to the (presumptive) outcome of the league title, the latter more so than the former; Cameron could easily have won Player of the Year. Despite this, it is Jota who is the more important to secure on a permanent deal.
Having watched Newco suffocate our midfield twice in a month and Bodo/Glimt do the same earlier in the year, to the extent that we struggled to build periods of possession, never mind attacks, we need to answer the question, why was this?
When our central defenders have the ball, they face options of either trying to find a full back or Callum McGregor, or hope that someone further up field is in space. Those options were snuffed out by Newco, causing a nervousness as players took possession with an opponent breathing down his neck.
What would Kristoffer do?
Kristoffer Ajer would step forward with the ball, drawing opponents off their markers and immediately creating space. He could then play a short pass or, if he was not challenged, continue a run through the middle.
It is reasonable to claim Celtic have the best two central defenders in the league, even the previously maligned Carl Starfelt is a model of solidity. The problem is, neither can carry the ball forward as effectively as Kris Ajer. We need at least one central defender with this attribute, preferably two.
Ange Postecoglou is not going to change the way we play. Next season you will see our central defenders in possession looking at man-marked team-mates. We either address an identifiable problem, or we are in for more of the same.
The first job of a defender is to defend, and we all remember the shambles of last season, even with Kris, but despite my fondness for Cameron and Carl in this respect, we need a rethink.
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B78
All the best.
Jeezo.
TOM MCLAUGHLIN 4:57
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Sorry your bet is looking shaky – I’d seen enough of Leipzig to know that they were shaky too.
MacGregor has not had a save to make.
Burnley 78
All the very best.
The levels of physicality across all 4 ties is a step up from what we see at home. Marseilles v Feyenoord is brutal.
Only Leicester in Rome seems even close to how we play.
Frankfurt matching west ham physically which is a big ask.
Best of B78
13 minutes of the 2nd half played and RBL haven’t entered their box.
Jack injured and being replaced. Three of their defence on yellows. Aribo off after being knocked out by ball at end of first half. Yet they are still bossing the game.
Liepzig are pyoor pish, really shocked at how bad they are
Burnley78
Best wishes for a speedy comeback. HH
Is it not now quite obvious that Old Firm FC are not the dreadful team that so many on here often claim?We are six points ahead of a team who look as though they will be in the Europa League Final. It reflects better on us if we accept that OFFC are not the poor side that many say they are.
You know that feeling you get when you watch (through your hands from behind the sofa) European teams playing Celtic, “Gee, these guys look athletic and awful fast”? I don’t get it when I watch the Old Firm play teams like Dortmund, Leipzig and Red Star Belgrade. The Europeans look weak and limp.
If the Huns eliminate 2 of the top 4 Bundesliga sides, questions are going to be asked by other countries, “Why do Germany get 4 automatic Champions League Group places?
Makes sense tae me.
HOT SMOKED
Agree.
Leipzig are utterly inept . Cannot do the basics .
HS
Exactly. They had a dip in form just when we needed it and we took full advantage. We have stood up to last year”s hun in the last 3 games and came out pretty well
Feel sorry for Seville though
Hot Smoked – I would be delirious if Celtic were on a run like newco. Those wins on our way to Seville were some of the best nights ever.
Hard to say, but massive credit to them if they win tonight. They have beaten good teams, churlish to argue otherwise. Seems Ibrox has become a bit of a European fortress.
“CONEYBHOY on 5TH MAY 2022 9:25 PM
Feel sorry for Seville though”
So do I. I don`t think that Fair Play thingy will be awarded to Scottish supporters in Seville this year :-))
INIQUITOUSIV on 5TH MAY 2022 9:23 PM
I think Germany’s four Champions League places are pretty safe for now. France is the country just below them in UEFA’s coefficients table and there’s a sizable points gap.
With 10 man West Ham 3-1 behind on aggregate, there seems no way back. But Leipzig just need one to get back on even terms. They look as if they are sleepwalking. What on earth are they thinking?
Oh!!!
Hot Smoked 9.22pm
Confidence in Europe is everything … sadly the Huns this season is reminiscent of MONs run in 2002/03, the players think they are unbeatable at home and grow after every round …,
But f that … Mon the Leipzig :-)
Still hoping to see Extra time and RBL winning on penalties though. The ultimate emotional letdown.
Get in there
Top save by McGregor.
Am taking an assist there …….
Ferguson saves Huns, then Leipzig score!
I don`t want to go overboard about THEM but the scoreline is even more impressive when I realise that Aribo had to be subbed. That`s like us losing Caalmac.
Right, no more from me about that game unless it is to celebrate a Leipzig comeback !
Yes RBL!!!!!!!
Gol.
Mon the Gerries!
Hope that wakes up Leipzig.
Thank you Lord!
The first time they start to play like Celtic – on the ground, quick passing – they score.
hehehehe
Over 70 minutes before Leipzig remotely threaten.
I am now as nervous as I am when I am getting Celtic updates!
I don`t drink Red Bull but Come On , Leipzig !!!
Happy Friday eve all from The home of the fastest two minutes in sports.