On the road this week so today’s blog is by author Stephen O’Donnell:
Pick the bones out of that! I didn’t see Legia against St. Patrick’s Athletic in the previous qualifying round, but by all accounts they were fairly unimpressive, even in winning 5 – 0 in Dublin. I was even tempted to have a wee bet on Celtic to win by more than one goal on Wednesday night, and by the time my hastily arranged subscription to Premier Sports had come through things were looking good after Callum McGregor’s early strike.
Sadly, it didn’t last. It’s a measure of how poorly Celtic played on the night that they were lucky to escape from Warsaw with a 4 – 1 defeat because, let’s face it, but for Fraser Forster and some wayward penalty taking, it could have been worse.
As expected, it didn’t take long for the Celtic Newsnow stream to start filling up with tales of anguish and pontification from the mainstream media. From AEK Athens to Maribor, the list of European failures at certain other clubs (including one that is now defunct) is long and distinguished, but nothing gets the SMSM in full gloating mode like a painful Celtic defeat on the Continent.
On Wednesday we were reminded about Artmedia Bratislava, Utrecht, Karagandy etc., I even heard Neuchatel Xamax being mentioned at one point. The key of course is that there is no context and analysis provided when these previous losses are dragged up, Celtic supporters simply have to suffer such painful reminders.
This lack of constructive analysis is a pity because there are comparisons and parallels that can be usefully drawn with previous chastening experiences in Europe. It seems that new Celtic managers are particularly vulnerable to them; Tony Mowbray initially enjoyed a successful preseason, including winning the Wembley Cup, but his first competitive game was a 1 – 0 home defeat to Dynamo Moscow. Neil Lennon had Utrecht and Braga, and of course Gordon Strachan had Artmedia.
It’s what happened in Bratislava that I think has most relevance to Wednesday night – a new manager in post, replacing a club legend, trying to introduce a more cerebral approach, a squad clearly divided amongst those who are still pining for the previous incumbent and those who want to move on and embrace the new manager’s methods… the parallels in fact are numerous and really quite striking. Hopefully this is a sign that Ronny, like WGS before him, will turn this early setback around and grow into the role of Celtic manager.
One of the most important aspects of managerial success is the chemistry between the boss and his players. This lack of a connection in the dressing-room and on the training field is the reason John Collins failed at Hibs; it’s why Mowbray didn’t last out a season at Celtic. If the chemistry isn’t right then the team will lack focus, motivation and game intelligence at crucial times in the season, and these traits were all conspicuous by their absence in both Warsaw and Bratislava.
But chemistry takes time, it didn’t come immediately to either Lennon or Strachan, and Ronny Deila still has the opportunity to get his progressive ideas across and win the respect and admiration of his squad. If that happens then, like Lenny and WGS before him, he will go on to lead Celtic to domestic and European success.
In the meantime, there is the second leg still to come. If the parallels with Artmedia and Karagandy are to be heard in the media again then Legia could yet be in for a tough night next week. The tie is most certainly not over and it will slowly be dawning on the players who let themselves down on Wednesday that there is only one way to make up for what happened.
Pride and defiance have to come to the fore again, and the situation is still retrievable. All the ingredients are there for a potentially famous night at Murrayfield next Wednesday.
Follow Stephen O’Donnell on twitter @stephenodauthor
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joe fillipis haircut
No disrespect, but why do people mention “eggs” when referring to me. :-))))
Nae worries kiddo, if we buy wisely, ahem, we should be fine, but not particularly holding my breath. I will still be there this season, as usual, cheering on our team and will continue to do so as long as finances permit. Great point though. KTF
Weefra HH praying to Wee Oscar.
.
Joe..
Doh..
Return leg..5-0..
Still a Long Way..Ha Ha..
SeanOc..Especially if they Missed their Plane..;)
Back to my Point..
Who else thought it a Tad Disrespectful..?
Wonder what they both thought as they seen the FT Score..?
Summa
The Thursday/ Sunday routine of EL games won’t help attendences at CP, if we end up there
blantyretim is praying for the knox family
21:51 on 1 August, 2014
Yeah BMCUWP certainly has taken over the mantra of the oracle…BT, Vhman and Malorbhoy only sent each of you a text as I am trying to catchup with the blog whilst watching a crappy film with Mrs LB didn’t realise you had caught up.
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
BT- Snap
Malorbhoy
I sent a message to yir mobi but got a message send failure, it’s the same number I’ve used before and the one Lennybhoy also has, have you changed it recently?
V
celtic dawn
21:53 on
1 August, 2014
Really dissapointed with the performance on Wed.
However trying to look on the bright side
We get into the CL,make a shed load of cash and get walloped 4 games out od 6 finish bottom and we all moan (except for the accountants) or
We dont make the CL fall into the EL have a decent run, the fans get excited, we dont make a shed load of money and most fans are reasonably happy (except for the accountants)
Im afraid we are, on the playing side, a EL team, no getting away from it.
What would make that acceptable to us? £!1m for winning it? increased exposure? Massive tv deal to follow our run to the final?
What doy ou want to see as a fan? If you care not a jot for finances you would prefer to be in a comp we have a chance of doing something in (EL). If you prefer us to make money, raise our profile. you might prefer the CL.
However let us all be clear, we can make the group stages of the CL for the next 10 years, but we will never generate enough cash to win it.
Anyone think a concerted effort in the EL over ten years could bring us a cup??
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Well there’s certainly more chance of winning EL than CL but personally, while I’d obviously be delighted, it still appears a long way off. A few posters today have pointed out that until the structure of football chances and we have the same kind of income as the biggest clubs, then we have no chance. Re: the EL – when we were last able to have a proper tilt at it, we had a far more talented team than we have right now. Would take a decent spend to get back there. Don;t see it happening with the current strategy – unless in the very long term through player development ourselves.
Cheers lennybhoy
Bada..
I was moaning about el on Wednesday to anyone who would listen, think everyone was shell shocked.
doesn’t floot my boat tbh
Vmhan
No same number Lennybhoy just sent me your number via my mobile
vmhan – ynwa wee oscar
21:59 on 1 August, 2014
Definitely right number, he sent me on bout 15 mins ago
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
.
BT..
I heard the Provisional wing of CQN stole your Phone to retrieve Important Data..:) (The price of Tesco Cider)..
Either that or You were spending Too much time on the ‘WC’. reading..
But then again they would know what You are reading by All accounts..lol
Summa
Reading back to BRTH post at 14:17 can’t help thinking it needs to be read in the Celtic board room. Interesting too how the period of reflection following such a defeat has lead to so many thoughtful and intelligent observations.
blantyretim
I know its not ideal, but I was 4 when we won the big cup, cant remeber a thing obviously, however I remember being with a crowd of us inmy mates house for the Seville game. Not one person said ” why get excited, its not the CL”. I think i am being areaklist when I say I probably wont see Celtic in a CL final (not that I dont hope) but sureley in my liftime I can see a EL win? and if we do the I and every other Tim will celebrate like mad.
I work beside a few Raith fans, they will probably never see europe again, low expectations in the SC and LC, but boy did they party when they won the Ramsdens. A memory their fans will never forget, isnt that what we all want?
My dad has his memory of Lisbon, as I mentioned I was only 4 so have no memeory, however if Seville had turned out differently I would have had a golden european moment and that what I want
Malorbhoy
That’s a surprise as BD was in Warsaw. Steve Broggi of Blackpool shammy expecting your call/ text, we often pick up a few from Gretna, just off the motorway. HH
All
Apologies for my poor spelling, I blame the drink
BT- If the EL was on a Tue/Wed with Saturday games it would be a bit more tolerable
summa of sammi….
Good to see ye back on cqn more often, my two Bhoys are en tour again shortly, Auckland NZ ✊
Pretty obvious that Celtic Park, Scotland’s premier stadium was the show place for the games opening, and it would have been insane that Celtic allow it to take place at any inferior stadium elsewhere as soon as it was correctly chosen. Juxtaposed with the Emirates events, and Tollcross’s superb new swimming complex, it was a no brainer.
Delighted with the east end regeneration especially when Terrorist Taig FC has been committed so much cash, for both club and immediate environment including the athletes village, new rail staion and new road infrastructure which will eventually join the M74 with the M8.
The east end regeneration programme is a twenty year plan and we’re only six years in, with plenty more investment to come to make for generations of neglect and imbalance.
Celtic picked Murrayfield correctly, it’s a pity footballing matters took at turn for the worst, and even at 1- 4 if still may manage good profit, with a good crowd.
State aid they squeal, long may it reign over us.
Goodnight Timland.
Only idiots make prediction’s
Celtic 6 Legia Warsaw 2
Celtic dawn, I was only 6months old , I know what you are saying but imo CL nights are superb, el feels like a runt of a competition. Scraps thrown to the poor, the whole set up seems shabby..
change the set up, 4 teams from the top countries is totally unfare and CL is getting stale.
blantyretim is praying for the Knox family
22:11 on
1 August, 2014
Celtic dawn, I was only 6months old , I know what you are saying but imo CL nights are superb, el feels like a runt of a competition. Scraps thrown to the poor, the whole set up seems shabby..
change the set up, 4 teams from the top countries is totally unfare and CL is getting stale.
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CL is definitely getting stale – especially so for the majority of teams who are not involved. The seeding makes it an almost pointless competition. SFTB posted earlier how only a handful of teams from a few countries ever have a chance of winning it. In that sense, it is a predictable competition. Something Better Change…
How often do we moan when we get Barca or Benfica again in CL draw……
it gets boring(the format) not the nights themself.
Malorbhoy
We got there :>)
Hx2
.
Vinny..
Just means l have More time on my Hands..Ha..
Still Not finished that Feckin Soccer pitch..;)
Are the Bhoys heading back to Oz at any Point..as NZ is our back-door entry..
That doesn’t sound right but Ye Ken what l mean..
Summa
I once organised a sports training event with Carol Sharp. So pleased that her daughter has overcome some terrible setbacks and brought such joy tonight to a family that have had many heartbreaks.
Blantre
I Agree CL nights at Celtic Part are brilliiant, but what realistically do we expect to achieve.
Football is all about entertaining the fans, giving them a good time, a final to enjoy.
5 years in the CL with 1 last 16 appearance or
5 years in the El with a trophy
What is actually the best from a fans point of view? What will they regale their children with?
I have never held, nor attended a party for CL qualification, however the Seville night???? wow!!!!!!
PS
In no way am I saying our team is good enough to win the EL
CD
Seville must go down as one of my best experiences as a Celtic fan..
we live in hope
Lampard in talks over 6 month loan to Man City?
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Bourne..
Sydney (Olympic) and Melbourne (Commonwealth) are still reaping the reward from the Games being held in their City/Country..
It’s Glasgow/Scotland time to shine Now..
Find it hard reading the Fuddy Duddys of CQN whinging about Paradise being involved..
l suppose ‘Fuddy Duddy see Fuddy Duddy Do’..
Summa
SoS
They’re out for 2yrs and Jonny will definitely be visiting his mates in Perth Aus, not sure about Ryan.
I’ll keep ye informed although you’ll know as much as me via FB lol.
HH
White dog hunch. Or any other Barcelona officionados….
I’m Booking up for a weekend in barca at end of October with my 16 yr old son. Can anyone recommend accommodation for 3 nights. Fairly central and not too dear.
Email me on bobbypetta@sky.com
thanks
Tom McLaughlin
20:33 on
1 August, 2014
My niece has a connection in the Celtic ticket office. I texted her on Tuesday and asked if she could find out how many season tickets have been sold.
Today she replied. At close of business last night, Celtic had sold just short of 36,500 season tickets.
I am away on a week long break but wanted to come on with the above information.
=================================================================
Onya,Tom……….erstwhile Goldcoaster.
36,500 sticking their money where their gobs are.
blantyretim
Absolutely, I just think we need to look at the CL for what it is. A closed shop for the big boys, which unfortunately we are not one off.
Sure there is a Group stage to keep the plebs happy, but its when this is over that the real action starts.
Take our place as a extra in the group stages or try for the lead in the EL
celtic dawn
22:24 on
1 August, 2014
I’d be delighted with an EL trophy, but as I say – to my mind the current team are a long way off that kind of achievement. Some good teams in the EL…
macjay1 for neil lennon
22:31 on 1 August, 2014
Wow….that’s a great SB level, in all the circumstances …..
Every strand of business in Glasgow is booming, were Celtic to say no to the Queen of England and Karen Dunbar?
OpenToAll CSC
Sorry it’s late
Round 1
1 Alec Baldwin – once in Glengarry Glen Ross and again in The Juror
2 Anton Rogan
3 Rod Stewart’s feet
4 Martin Hayes, Gary Gillespie & Luigi Macari’s lease car
5 3-2
6 Stamps to Italy
7 Jorge Cadete, sponsoring pickled onions
8 Gordon Strachan, Neil Lennon, Ronny Deila
Above was for Summa.