You and I often discuss that teams learn lessons from failure; less so from victories. So it was after the League Cup Final in December. Celtic took home the trophy after a penalty kick decider, but whatever plans we had to control events were thoroughly subverted.
Two weeks later, Celtic went to Ibrox with no learning whatsoever from that final. Philippe Clement, who was deep in job-losing form at the time, bossed the battle. It was a chastening experience, one which remains in the memory ahead of Sunday’s game. We need to learn lessons, not only when they are obvious (Dortmund), but also when they are hidden by a result.
No less than Jose Mourinho got it wrong against Alloa’s 11th best manager of the 21st century. This Newco team remain dangerous, they have the muscle memory from their last two games against Celtic and have a sense of grievance over the loss in December. Celtic will need be far better prepared than the last twice we faced them. We will be allowed lots of the ball but will be subject to synchronised presses.
Newco will defend their box, play on the counter and largely live of misplaced passes as Celtic try to build. Whenever they get into the Celtic penalty area, they will crumble to the deck. A grab of a jersey will be magnified (looking at you, Auston) and there will be plenty left on each challenge. In possession, their most potent player is Cerny. Jeffrey Schlupp and Trusty will have the job of showing him down the line. His fondness for cutting inside is almost compulsive.
Your confidence will be fortified by Celtic’s attacking options. Daizen Maeda has thrived against Newco since before his recent run of free scoring form. Newco have no answer to his speed and power. When playing on the left, they doubled up on him, as does every other Scottish club.
Memories of Jota against Newco from his first spell in Glasgow, his goals and the way he controlled play, remain vivid. What’s your favourite, the Scottish Cup semifinal headed goal, the goal when he rounded Allan McGregor and rolled the ball into the empty net, or the deft control and lob over keeper Jon McLaughlin? Your other memory of Jota in these games was how Newco doubled up against the Portuguese winger.
What Newco could not cope with in this season’s League Cup Final was the dribbling of Nicolas Kuhn. The German was Celtic’s fulcrum on the right, scoring what should have been a late winner. Nicolas went into that game favourite for the Player of the Year award; Newco doubled up on him in an attempt to inhibit his craft.
There is a theme to how Newco defend against Maeda, Jota and Kuhn; they double up against each of them, but they have never faced all three in the same game. I am looking forward to seeing how this plays out. Celtic need to move the ball quickly to drag opponents across the field. This will result in misplaced passes; live with it. Passes reach their destination 100% of the time when you slow things down; that outcome would be a poor indicator of our play. This is particularly true of Reo Hatate, he needs our support to misplace the odd one when trying to expose a defensive stucture.
322 Comments- Pages:
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Maestro
Where did the clip of those two kids boxing disappear to?
It`s OK. I found it. It was in one of the replies to your final post on page 4.
5.25 Thurles- Hunskelper
BURNLEY78 on 15TH MARCH 2025 8:22 AM
Not winning would be a worry. Not just because we would witness 2500 of their number celebrating in our stadium but because of the momentum and energy it gives them. A platform to go into next season in the back of potentially 4 games unbeaten v Celtic over 90minutes.
==================================
Some Celtic Supporters seem to have short memories, they think that Rodgers is infallible.
Yet Celtic erred even under the great Peter Lawwell.
8 December 2019 – Celtic won the Glasgow Derby under Neil Lennon.
2 February 2022 – Celtic won the Glasgow Derby under Ange Postecoglou.
Over two years inbetween times there was seven old firm derbies, Rangers won six and drew one.
Celtic went seven games without winning an old firm derby, it wasn’t so long ago and we are heading into that situation again.
5.25 Thurles- Hunskelper into 7s from 50s
Agree totally that some of us have short memories.
Jimmy McGrory’s managerial record against R1ngers was patchy at best.
Starting to get really worried about tomorrow.
4s now
Bada
Some smart bookies have re sprayed a donkey, called it hunskelper and put it out the day before the Glasgow derby to seduce all us tims to give them money. :)
I know eff all about horses other than they crap a lot and have a leg at each corner.
Ever seen a bookie on a bus?
https://x.com/TamseIIicsonIII/status/1900882209256452239?t=P2hu6zzKI-rtzdjwYM9cpQ&s=19
https://x.com/tamseiiicsoniii/status/1900617358508490931?s=48&t=3Eb789YONrobrGqgMTytaQ
Belter
SUNDAY 15TH
Frank has now joined me on the hunger-strike. I saw the boys at Mass today which I enjoyed. Fr Toner said Mass.
Again it was a pretty boring day. I had a bit of trouble to get slopped out tonight and to get water.
I have a visit tomorrow and it will be good to see my family. I am also looking forward to the walk in the fresh air, it will tire me out, but I hope the weather is good. I must go.
Gambling is for mugs.
Amen
The Horse ” HUNSKELPER” is now Favourite at 5/2 in the 5.25 THURLES.
There is another Horse in the Race called ” TIM Toe”. It is around 7/1.
I have backed the Forecast just for a laugh.
LOL
HH.
Let’s get some songs going 🎵
Get out ye black and tans
https://youtu.be/D6J7k0mEKMA?si=2U6FoUC9M-gs1pKe
Celtic Symphony
https://youtu.be/hqwgH82XWK8?si=-R1zT3Clu6x7oWTj
Back home in Derry
https://youtu.be/c5_wZmTHfo8?si=iOnwwEM6u6dbRK_-
Whiskey in the jar
https://youtu.be/-jEUq3hEjus?si=z7TpRdT4s4LmTWek
The Dubliners Saint Patrick’s day mix
https://youtu.be/FgSZgakakLw?si=HrWcKJONcDLIbEz-
💚
hunskelper seems to have gone from 50-1 t0 3-1.
lots of Tims piling in rather than being tipped I think
Have those on here who are against Gambling…..
” Have they NEVER played any Lottery” ?
” Have they NEVER played BINGO ” ?
Have they NEVER played CARDS ?
Have they NEVER played DARTS ?
Have they NEVER played DOMINOES ?
Have they NEVER had a Bet with a Mate…for a BEER ?
Have they NEVER had a Bet on CELTIC ?
I honestly have no idea how a game on the 15th of March would affect a cup semi on the 20th of April……strange line of thought
I’d also say tomorrow’s game ( and the next one at ibrox) will have no bearing whatsoever on next season!!!!
Are the hun fans to be kept in the stadium until all Celtic fans have emptied out at full time ?
Not keen on having to wait at the side of the Emirates as they angrily make their way.
GENE..
Your sons Horse at UTTOXETER Today ” EQUINUS”…is Priced up at 250/1 with BET365.
It is Priced at only 150/1 with Ladbrokes.
I may have a wee each way Bet.
LOL
Cheers GENE.
HH.
Walk on Quest 3.35 Uttoxeter, not a tip but if you’re feeling lucky why not.
The Bhoy
I believe they are getting kept in.
I hope they enjoy watching us celebrating.
garygillespieshamstring on 15th March 2025 1:08 pm
They always do……..
Big Jimmy
It’ll be a tired horse as is was pulling a milk cart this morning
Fassreifen
Yes only 1 qualifying tie next season.
We come in at the final stage of 4 qualifying rounds. Only 5 matches. Only 5 qualifiers from the champions entry pathway.
Anyone any info on when Estadio Nacional is open next Thu- Sat,ta
scotlands champions have one PLAY OFF TIE, 2 games, traditional home/away fixture.
win the tie we are in the champions league.
lose the tie we are in the europa, and some people would be happy that we allegedly would go further in that competition
forget champions league riches, forget domestic trebles, the place our ambition needs to be is a europa quarter final,
dearie me.
Scottish Football Journal …………
There has been no Old Firm games since 2012.
Aye Stivs we will accept 100 %
over world records & trebles and extending the world record of trebles 🏆 🏆 🏆 any day of week amigo.
🤣😆😂😉😎
BURNLEY78 on 15TH MARCH 2025 8:22 AM
Not winning would be a worry. Not just because we would witness 2500 of their number celebrating in our stadium but because of the momentum and energy it gives them. A platform to go into next season in the back of potentially 4 games unbeaten v Celtic over 90minutes.
do they get a trophy for that “the 4 games unbeaten v celtic” cup.
some platform right enough.
that will be the clicher for saint francis north american catholic benefit fund to purchase them.
https://x.com/brz_1872/status/1900294513769296199?s=19
I think a hun called kevin done it.
Heard Celtic were goin to sign a kevin but £49 was to dear
:-)
HH
https://x.com/bear1867/status/1900855252141633623?t=Q2FUtDb327H2xpqcnCptpA&s=19
Scottish football hun
https://x.com/antearmann1967/status/1900917837213941923?s=19
HH
Yir club was shatoot publically.
Just about three of the clock in Glasgow. Wondering what Aipple is up to; Byers Road, the Gallowgate, Calton or walking along the London Road with an independent air?
T