Roberto Mancini must have watched plenty of Celtic while planning for the teams Europa League meeting, but there was little to concern the Italian. So much so, he picked an attack-minded team for the Celtic Park leg, and arranged a four-day stay over in Italy before the team headed to St Petersburg.
For a side that looked to be in desperate need for time on the training field, spending more days at airports and in hotels does not look like wise planning. When heading to the dressing room on Thursday night, the last thing anyone in the Zenit party must have wanted was more time on the road, after their trips to Dubai and Turkey. This team needed to get home to find their game face.
It is clear that Zenit failed to show Celtic or Brendan Rodgers sufficient respect in thinking they could win the tie in Glasgow. They are a powerful side, so the outcome remains open, but the question Mancini will most struggle with, is ‘Where did that Celtic performance come from?’ He has no idea what to expect from Celtic in St Petersburg, nor do his players.
There’s been a bit of chat online about the risk, or otherwise, to Celtic fans in St Petersburg this week. Celtic’s Supporter Liaison Officer, John Paul Taylor, has been in touch with SLOs from Liverpool, Rosenburg and Benfica, each of whom faced Zenit recently. Their advice is:
“All Clubs recommend that fans use the buses which will depart from pick up point close to the Petrovsky stadium (see map attached) they stated that this is the safest way to get to the Stadium. Fans are asked to be at the pick up point at 18:30 and Police will lead the buses in a convoy at 19:00.
“Fans who travel with Celtic Travel should use their own buses and all other fans should use the municipal buses, there will be a few of us on hand to provide assistance if required. At Full Time, fans who are on the Celtic Charter must return to their own bus as these will head straight to the airport. I’ve asked that the municipal buses take fans back to the Petro Palace Hotel but it looks like they will only take fans back to the original pick up point, if this changes I’ll update it on my twitter @CelticFCSLO
“The other advice given was that fans should not wear colours if going into town at night, all three Clubs stressed this quite strongly and also advised fans to stay in larger groups, their advice was not to walk around town in small numbers.
“As far as we are aware, taxis are the best way to get around, the Metro is available however Liverpool fans encountered some issues when using the Metro again though this was when it was fans in small groups.”
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The Potential in this Celtic Team is outrageous.
James Forrest was Awesome away to Udinese.
I reckon if we get through this tie, we will have hard games to negotiate, but most of the teams will be worried about League form a lot more by then. ;))
I agree with Neil. Get through this one and we can get to the Final.
I don’t expect Celtic to go through, I hope they do. I’d say 55/45 in Celtics favour.
The League will take care of itself.
South Of Tunis on 21st February 2018 11:06 am
“Mancini’s disrespect “.
There must be at least 2 versions of the man .
The Italian version was very respectful re Celtic and Brendan Rodgers. Celtic were as he expected but what he didn’t expect was a complete no show from his midfield /attack . He hopes they turn up on Thursday . That might give them a chance of progressing to the next round .
The Italian version is an employee of Zenit who are playthings for Gazprom . .The friendlies in the Gulf and Turkey were organized by Gazprom . The trip to Rome was organized by Gazprom…. Business .
……………………………………………………………………………………………….
Perhaps the oligarchs disrespect. As you say, I’d doubt Roberto would be so.
Angel re-released by Massive Attack was pointed out by a Genius of a work colleague.
Incredible Tune
JAMESGANG on 21ST FEBRUARY 2018 9:51 AM
The acid test is using foudroyant in a sentence, and then looking blasé as you explain the meaning!
KTF
SFTB
Coetzee looks like a bullet dodged! Not kicked a ball since we rejected the deal and still not made his comeback into the squad. His team haven’t even included him in the squad for the African equivalent of the Champions League.
KTF
Does the assertion that Celtic will not play a third league game away to Sevco not indicate institutional bias?
Why must Motherwell or Killie endure a third trip to the Bigotdome but not us?
Eurochamps67
NotthatiwanttogothereatanytimemindyouCSC
aye I dae drop CQN tunes in work.
Shoot me @ Dawn.
Actually the Foggy Dew has been dropped a few times.
I took it off the playlist despite a few Loving it, a lot. :))
Goodnight Sweetheart is on there. That is a Classic.
One day @ a Time by Cristy is there.
It’s the World that is deceiving
petec is so very Sad. It is so hard to be haPPy now.
I get to go Skiing in a couple of weeks.
To be honest I’m not in the best condition for skiing, I’ll be happy for a bit…. howevaaaah.
I’ll be able to turn right skiing now ;))))
Never Give up.
Neil knows Celtic have a small chance. Believe.
Eurochamps67 on 21st February 2018 12:06 pm
The Almighty is Good.
I agree with you. My wee laddie won’t be agreeing though. :))
If it is a 1 way carve up though..
Every other top team means nothing in Scotland rather than Celtic and Sevco?
Whats the point?
Serious question?
Hibs rapid rise – FFS they will make an impact and get to Euro Group stages. Momentum.
SFA – Anger is indeed an energy.
BMCUWP
Just trying to have a little fun.
Tooooooooo early for drink to be an excuse and I’m pretty sure my boss would notice.
Any word about how Delaneys Dunky is?
Eurochamps67 on 21st February 2018 12:06 pm
would guess that unlike Celtic the other teams have already had two home games against the Hun
Based on my own memories and experiences of European nights since the early 80s, it is difficult to think about tomorrow’s game without thinking about all the other times we had a chance across two legs and blew it. Other than the Seville run when I was wildly optimistic about every game we played, most European away ties in the last 30 years has seen us either shooting ourselves in the foot when playing ok or just not showing up at all.
I can’t see us not conceding 2+ goals tomorrow. It will be over by half time.
There, I’ve said it. Doom and gloom.
Now put a tenner on 2-2 and us being in the next round.
VFR
I love words mate. And you teach about 2-3 new ones each week.
Thank you
HH jamesgang
PB,
No, that is the point.
As it stands, Sevco will have played two homes v the other top six teams by the split.
They should have five away fixtures in a normal league, but won’t.
They will be given an extra two home games.
Celtic however, will not be asked to go back there a third time but two of the other four will.
Fair and equitable?
Eurochamps67
new article posted.
“ We will not be treated differently “
John Reid ( ages ago )