It was a hard shift for Gordon Strachan’s Scotland last night. Germany are on a different level, possibly from all other teams, at the moment, but Gordon’s been through similar tests as Celtic manager. What I liked about the display was that German were afforded few genuine chances, while the goals they scored, a deflection and two which hit the post before crossing the line, gave David Marshall no chance.
Scotland failed to collect a point as they found it impossible to concentrate at the level required for the entire 90 minutes. We’ve seen Celtic teams do this successfully in the past – and not just against Barcelona. We took Milan to a 0-0 after 90 minutes in the San Siro, while teams from Manchester and Munich, and lesser locations, chased the oxygen out of Celtic players’ lungs but could not find the space required to turn Celtic over.
During the previous two seasons Celtic recorded impressive domestic defensive records, but this was not due to imperious levels of concentration, we were simply better than the opposition by a sufficient margin. When that wasn’t the case, in Europe, we often didn’t display the levels of concentration which was on show, even from Scotland last night.
Great players can score wonder goals against you at any point, but don’t dive into tackles, watch what’s going on off the ball, make the right choices on how to press the ball, and even the greats will struggle to make an opening.
The biggest challenge we have ahead of the Europa League campaign is incorporating this season’s defensive arrivals into a coherent defensive strategy. It’s a concern that Craig Gordon looks like a better goalkeeper playing for Celtic in Europe than David Marshall did playing for Scotland against Germany. Marshall is a good enough keeper, but his defence didn’t expose him too often. Craig is called upon too often in Europe.
With all that’s going on in the world at the moment, in particular with the Foundation, Celtic sponsor, Intelligent Car Leasing, have offered us a fantastic auction prize: Corporate Hospitality at Celtic v Dundee, on 20 September, lunch and drinks in the Walfrid with great seats in the Directors’ Box for three people.
This is a very rare opportunity to enjoy a money-can’t-buy experience. All proceeds to raise funds for Celtic FC Foundation’s fantastic work to improve Health, promote Equality, encourage Learning and tackle Poverty. Get bidding and keep an eye on the auction here on ebay.
381 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- »
JFH,
Didn’t know that about our captain. Why did WGS let him play?
It might be a good thing, if the others take some responsibility, although that’s not what has happened when he hasn’t been available.
JFH
Where did that information come from?
JJ
Winning captains
I’m sure those who don’t have a copy of the book will have enjoyed the extract from ‘Caesar and the Assassin’ published in the CQN magazine, but I would personally have preferred the chapter selected to have been ”Congratulations, Century Bhoys’, as I might then have seen the final sentence of said chapter in its completed version!
“In truth, the three signings- still well short of what Graham Souness”
Then white space!
Or do I have a collector’s item in my edition, in which the author can’t go on as he recalls the misery of the years following the Centenary Double, recovers, starts chapter 30, but forgets to finish chapter 29?
Still, great trip down Celtic memory lane for me, the book.
Hail Hail!
PHCSalford
There was a time when Broonie`s absence would have had me worried. He is still. IMO, our most influential player but I have noticed of late that Bitton has the confidence to keep the team together. Also, the addition of Armstrong to our squad is invaluable when Broonie is not available.
JJ
Do you think the auld boot will declare at half 5 today?
Winning Captains
Oh, and talking about chapter 30, hasn’t the author got Thatcher at the wrong Centenary Cup Final?
JFH-I posted last week,i didn’t think Brown or Bitton were fit in the Malmo games,looking forward to Brown retiring from international football after this campaign.
Very interesting yet terrifying article in today’s Guardian about the Chilean footballers who feared for their lives after the Pinochet coup.
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/sep/09/chile-military-coup-general-pinochet-leonardo-veliz?CMP=share_btn_tw
Celtic Charity Foundation helping the survivors of the Haiti earthquake of a few years ago by opening a new Celtic park in Haiti.
http://www.celticfc.net/news/9041
Murdochbhoy
Thanks for that. Some great lines in it.Seems to me that only those looking to be offended would miss the point that the programme was making racists and sexists look pretty stupid.
JJ
So Auld Lizzie has broken the record?!
Aye, very good, but is it a world record?!
Who gives a f***!
HH!!
WEERON WROTE ABOUT neganon,
Jumping from ‘what I hear’ to ‘obviously’ is the kind of leap that adds nothing to any kind of meaningful discussion. –
HA HA HA HA HA,What I have been saying for a long time.A one trick pony,and a boring one at that.
Moving tantalizingly towards the Sheep game. Ronny should have this covered. I don’t want to hear of any excuses about tiredness, internationals, post CL hangovers, wool etc
I just want Ronny get the tactics correct.
That means having a workable set piece play for both defense and up front.
That means knowing who to sub for who and when.
That means getting the line up correct.
These things, you would imagine, would be bread and butter everyday events for RD, but he seems to struggle on all three.
Let’s hope he has learned. After ll he has all the ammunition and resources against inferior teams in terms of support, funding and pool depth.
PJBHOYNYC on 9TH SEPTEMBER 2015 12:26 AM
TONYG on 8th September 2015 11:12 pm
Sorry to butt in, Ronnie Fraser had a yellow TR7 when i was there. he did used to walk round it three times though. Nice to know a theory why.
####
Perhaps he was imagining himself to be an electron orbiting a nucleus.
JUNGLE JIM HOT SMOKED on 9TH SEPTEMBER 2015 10:33 AM
Murdochbhoy
Thanks for that. Some great lines in it.Seems to me that only those looking to be offended would miss the point that the programme was making racists and sexists look pretty stupid.
###
Racists yes ( both Johny Speight and Warren Mitchell lent support to the Anti Nazi League) but sexism was pretty much still acceptable back then and I don’t it was an intended target.
I wonder what thon big doll Diana would’ve had to say about the bile’t yins record reign?
AGENT GREEN , 8:50 AM
Chancer Gardener.
Talks to be concluded at the end of this month which means they won’t take affect until October’s payroll so they are ‘negotiating’ on his remaining £144,000, after having already paid Old Green Fingers £792,000. If they settle on 50%, they will have ended up paying him for 11 months of bugger all.
McOist gets the PR benefit as well as being back in the public eye as he looks for work and King gets – well, to save £72,000. More importantly Chancer gets a guaranteed pay cheque while there is still money down the back of the sofa.
They are truly shameless
BROGAN ROGAN TREVINO AND HOGAN SUPPORTS OSCAR KNOX, MACKENZIE FURNISS AND ANYONE ELSE WHO FIGHTS NEUROBLASTOMA on 9TH SEPTEMBER 2015 10:18 AM
Very interesting yet terrifying article in today’s Guardian about the Chilean footballers who feared for their lives after the Pinochet coup.
#####
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJZE8AuVukk
http://www.traditionalmusic.co.uk/folk-song-lyrics/Blood_Upon_the_Grass.htm
A record reign means…..
a record drain…..
on the public purse…..
Missed most of yesterday’s blog so catching up. First thing of note,the terrific news from PHILBHOY.
SMASHING STUFF,MATE.
Now,tell her to get her school stuff looked out for the morra,and her sandwiches made. Back to normality for the lass,and she’ll be delighted for that!
Oh,and give her a wee hug from me and the rest of the troops,mate…
HH
O.G.Rafferty-The Gardener must have had an offer to replace his pal McAllister on BT Sport,his ‘gardening leave’, might be on full pay,until he takes another job.It won’t be in football management,that’s for sure.HH
beatbhoy
I just had a look at the proofed chapters and that last line is a rogue one – it shouldn’t have been there and is an error at setting stage.
Glad you are enjoying the book. The follow up is being worked on at the moment. It is called THE WINDS OF CHANGE and tells the story of managing Celtic from Liam Brady taking over until MON leaving on what was my worst ever day supporting Celtic. The period 1991 -2004 saw managers come and go, some with great successes and others abysmal failures.
If anyone wants a SIGNED copy of Caesar & The Assassin we have FOUR copies remaining and won’t be getting any more. You can order at a discounted price direct from CQN here: http://goo.gl/ObDbjX
You can also get our other books, Celtic books and a section of Celtic DVDs on this Amazon page too. We’re currently improving the CQN Bookstore site.
All copies of Caesar & The Assassin ordered over the past few weeks have been sent to addresses around Great Britain, Ireland and worldwide. One went to Israel yesterday. If you can would be great if you can leave feedback the Amazon page re service and maybe a wee review of the book.
And as if by magci the MSL announce they are looking at a tournament between their top teams and the EPL.
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/football/article4551959.ece
Ernie thanks for the link to The Blood Upon the Grass.
Sorry MLS and Magic ………….. I blame te schools!
Winning Captains
You’ve just had a look, and you’re not telling me how the sentence/ chapter ends!
Ah, I get it , you want me to buy another one. Not on, I’ll use my limited imagination.
As for your worst day as a Celtic supporter, just remember that even docking Rangers(1872-2012) just 3 points for one of their several Improperly registered players that season would have seen us enter the field of play at Fir Park that day already crowned Champions. So, that penalty has been applied in my Celtic world.
Eases my memories of Light-grey Sunday anyway, and shuts any Zombie up who’s stupid enough to mention the Sabbath Day and helicopters in the same sentence.
That and the fact they’re deid!
Hail Hail!
Wonder what this blog will be like IF Aberdeen go top of the league on Saturday 2 points clear of Celtic with a game in hand, doesn’t bear thinking about. If that happens I’ve every confidence we will overhaul them and eventually pull away, but the in between period will be painful and of course Ronnie will get slaughtered, here there and everywhere.
On the other hand IF we win it will be onwards an upwards – really praying for a win on Saturday.
A tournament between the ‘cream’ of the EPL and the MLS?
What would be at stake?
Oh, of course.
Money!
HH!!
Sky will be behind any EPL/MLS tie up,they are desperate,after BT took CL/EL from them.
Philbhoy and Olivia hoopy news awright. All the best for you , have a pure magic day.
The Clumpany had article on the Constant Gardener this morning and his upcoming meeting with the GASL
HH
gsu
Yesterday, guy at work told me about the epl cut backs to grass root football.
All the money they generate esp from t.v. Rights etc, and they are telling councils to cut back
On council parks and other things.
I told him they were probably diverting money to women’s football.
There seems to be a big push in that direction.
macjay1 for Neil Lennon on 9th September 2015 8:00 am
Gallardia Rool OK!!
Steamboats well named: everyone of them pi**ed on a Saturday morning.
Did you play with Jimmy Mears?
HAITI! HAITI! HE CELTS ARE HERE!!!!
From The Record…
Celtic Park rebuilt and ready to open its doors.. in Haiti
19:12, 8 SEPTEMBER 2015 UPDATED 19:13, 8 SEPTEMBER 2015
BY DAVID TAYLOR
A NEW stadium named after the home of the Scottish champions will officially open in the earthquake hit region of the Caribbean after receiving a little help from the Celtic FC Foundation.
IT’S the hallowed turf in Glasgow’s East End that has produced a string of football greats.
But now it has emerged that Paradise has been rebuilt – in the Caribbean.
A new top-notch facility in earthquake-hit Haiti will be dubbed Celtic Park and open its doors for the first time on Friday
Boasting a full-size football pitch, seating, and a stage for community events, the complex was built on what was once a makeshift camp for people displaced by the 2010 earthquake.
The project, in Solino, a notoriously poor district of the capital Port-au-Prince, was completed with help from the Celtic FC Foundation, and Catholic Relief Services.
Celtic Chief Executive, Peter Lawwell said: “Celtic was established as a football club to help people in need and this ethos remains a fundamental part of our club almost 130 years after our formation.
“We are so pleased to be involved in this particular project and it is fitting that the Solino soccer field, once the scene of such heartache will now act as a major positive focal point within the community.”
Much of Port-au-Prince was devastated by the earthquake which saw an estimated 1.5million people displaced.
Following the devastation, Solino was home to nearly 700 families living in tarpaulin tents.
new article posted.
STV remembering Jock Stein tonight at 6:30pm
http://shows.stv.tv/talk-tv/1328224-remembering-jock-stein-30-years-on-peter-and-roughie-stv-glasgow-edinburgh/
Well done the Celtic foundation in Haiti.
hi Celts
enjoyed the discussion last night bout media,its platforrms and how we can harness and cultivate that potential income to our club thro modern media in the future.
HH
TONYDONNELLY
All these years ‘honing’ my keyboard skills,and I still can’t type the word ‘the’!