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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The Singing Detective Demands The Resignation Of Campbell Ogilvie
00:54 on
2 August, 2014
———–
macjay1 for neil lennon
00:35 on 2 August, 2014
Gordon64
00:27 on
2 August, 2014
Noam Chomsky’s statement on
Israel’s latest aggression in Gaza:
======================
======================
=====================I I
hope Obama`s listening,but I doubt
it.
Israel is digging it`s own grave.
—
Hamas Wants Us to Care about Palestinian Children, Even if They Don’t
Posted by Rachel Molschky
Hamas sacrifices Arab children and celebrates the victory. Then we are supposed to cry over the very same children.
===============================================================
T.S.D.
That`s an opinion piece.
The tragic facts we can see for ourselves.
Four children killed on a beach,for god`s sake.
The comparative body count we know.
Under no circumstances would I hold a candle for Hamas,but they are (apparently) the democratic choice of the Palestinian people. That`s their choice.
Who am I to argue with their choice?
“The loser now will be later to win.”
Israel is losing the global war for hearts and minds.imho
I`m afraid that she deserves to.
Cut n paste. fanny
Macjay, what a life you have bruv
A.C.G.R.
What a life?
10cc, 100 ml……….a full litre or is it litter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR493nDSDxY
HH G
macjay1 for Neil Lennon
03:46 on 2 August, 2014
The Singing Detective Demands The Resignation Of Campbell Ogilvie
00:54 on
2 August, 2014
———–
macjay1 for neil lennon
00:35 on 2 August, 2014
Gordon64
00:27 on
2 August, 2014
Noam Chomsky’s statement on
Israel’s latest aggression in Gaza:
======================
======================
=====================I I
hope Obama`s listening,but I doubt
it.
Israel is digging it`s own grave.
—
Hamas Wants Us to Care about Palestinian Children, Even if They Don’t
Posted by Rachel Molschky
Hamas sacrifices Arab children and celebrates the victory. Then we are supposed to cry over the very same children.
===============================================================
T.S.D.
That`s an opinion piece.
The tragic facts we can see for ourselves.
Four children killed on a beach,for god`s sake.
The comparative body count we know.
Under no circumstances would I hold a candle for Hamas,but they are (apparently) the democratic choice of the Palestinian people. That`s their choice.
Who am I to argue with their choice?
“The loser now will be later to win.”
Israel is losing the global war for hearts and minds.imho
I`m afraid that she deserves to.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Try to look through the lense of the guy writing the Story, I urge you to listen to the link I posted earlier, I know you know, that I think a lot of what is happening is being facilitated by secretive societies. A nod and a wink and it is started or stopped.
I got the impression that DBBIA was going to be spending a lot of his retirement reading The Book. Mega Thumbs Up to that.
Macjay, it’s a one off bud. Imposters can get tae fuck bud.
You only get one chance. Don’t cut and paste.
ACGR
10cc.
Do you know the derivation of the name?
Ceitic V Karagandy……………..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR493nDSDxY
ohhhhhh yeeesaaaaaaaa we RE Celtic YA BAAASSSSAASAAS
Too many events drinking can make you a Rattling Bhoy.
Time, invariably always catches up.
entropy, entropy, they all got it in for me. :))
petec
04:23 on
2 August, 2014
Secretive societies?
Not secretive.The Jewish lobby.Few in number.Mega bucks.
macjay1 04:38,
Revelation 3:9.
All the things occuring are going to happen. God wrote the Book, he is always in control. The things going on in Iran are incredible, listen to that guys interview, I think he has a lot of his analysis on the money, but hey, maybe he is just promoting his own books, I don’t know.
Bilbo Cooper said it so succinctly when he said.
The important part from the interview is this.
petec
04:54 on
2 August, 2014
Pete.Never would I suggest that “It`s the Jews”
The Jewish lobby is a different matter.
Equally ,the suggestion that criticism of the state of Israel is anti-semitic.
I criticise a govt.,not the Faith of it`s members.
My criticism of the govt.of Argentina does not mean I am anti Catholic.
macjay1,
I’m torn a lot more than I could ever be by what is happening now.
Israel is the apple of God’s eye.
I believe that the Jews are God’s chosen people. I Totally Believe that.
I do know howevaah, that the people who have Subscribed to the Dark Temples, whatever branch, whatever sect, whatever group, have always been Deceived.
Watch oot for the Peace pact This Time.
Good morning…..
Always remember this as the most dangerous guy on our planet…..
“We are benefiting from one thing, and that is the attacks on the twin towers and the pentagon and the American struggle in Iraq. These events swung American public opinion in our favor”
― Benjamin Netanyahu
Semite……all inclusive really….
noun…..
1. A member of a group of Semitic-speaking peoples of the Near East and northern Africa, including the Arabs, Arameans, Babylonians, Carthaginians, Ethiopians, Hebrews, and Phoenicians.
2. A Jew.
3. Bible A descendant of Shem.
Peace and love in the Middle East
Please.
ryecatcher
05:33 on 2 August, 2014
Good morning…..
Always remember this as the most dangerous guy on our planet…..
“We are benefiting from one thing, and that is the attacks on the twin towers and the pentagon and the American struggle in Iraq. These events swung American public opinion in our favor”
― Benjamin Netanyahu
~~~~~~~~~
~~~
~
.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egX9N8yOgaU
“Reports that say there’s — that something hasn’t happened are always interesting to me, because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things that we know that we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns, the ones we don’t know we don’t know.”
Donald Rumsfeld…..
Scary Zionist dude who was the most powerful guy on planet Earth 2001-2005
Definitely offski.
We built this CITY on rock and roll.
Risiblecatcher, to me is like Dangermouse on Speed.
I love you though, never forget that!!!!
Petec….
Goodnight sweetheart……just for you
► 3:06► 3:06
http://www.dailymotion.com/…/x1gtr3_ruts-babylon-s-burni...
17 Mar 2007
The Ruts for ever ! One of the most talented Punk Rock band of the early years which is mixed …
petec
05:32 on
2 August, 2014
macjay1,
I’m torn a lot more than I could ever be by what is happening now.
Israel is the apple of God’s eye.
I believe that the Jews are God’s chosen people. I Totally Believe that.
================================================================
Christ was a Jew.
What kind of god has preferred people or races.
Are we not all equal in god`s eyes?
The state of Israel was created in`48.
Stalin,the anti-Christ voted in favour.
Post 666 mentions The Antichrist.
Spooky.
Time for bed and you lot have given me nightmares!!!
Morning all,
I don`t know if anyone replied last night but why, as the Opening Ceremony was over a week ago and Celtic Park was not used again, are we not able to play a Home game there until the 16th of August?
JJ
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS
06:23 on
2 August, 2014
Time to consult your medium for guidance.
:-)
Jungle Jim
06:24 on
2 August, 2014
Celtic park next to the athletes village and the Velodrome facility means the stadium is still in security lockdown mode, it takes time and much hassle to dismantle all the work that has gone on to transform Celtic park given the struct security measures, also takes time to lay new pitch and bed it in properly
Good luck to wee Paddy Barnes later on today.
A great friend of wee Oscar, also Michael Conlan.
God bless the ghetto Fenians, Glasgow, Belfast, Derry & Dublin.
HH.
Have I got this right, I renew my season book as soon as they become availabe and charged £20 for legia ticket!.
The waverers buy by mon 5pm and ticket is included in season book!! Wtf!!.
JJ
I replied ..you ignored me :-))
Re turfing the pitch apparently …with Dutch grass….not the fun variety however
Sean
Yep
Cannae see the Warsaw game being much of an incentive now
I cannae get to any games in Edinburgh …..
The opening ceremony was great tho ……we’ll probably be out of Europe before I get to see us play
Think that the six county select are now guaranteed nine medals in the boxing.
Paddy Barnes, Michael Conlan, Joe Fitzpatrick,Michaela Walsh,
Sean Duffy, Sean McGlinchy, Steven Donnelly, Connor Coyle and Alanna Murphy.
No mean feat.
For a sport that is so corrupt on a professional level, amateur boxing must surely be one of the most noble and pure of the lot.
HH.
….PFayr supports WeeOscar
06:42 on
2 August, 2014
We are possibly out of Europe because the manager had a complete disaster in Poland
Given the club’s ethos in its infancy, it would have looked bad not to be a participant in the regeneration of the east end in what has been labelled the legacy games, i can see why the club agreed to play its part for Glasgow and the east end of Glasgow in these games
As for progression in the C/L lets hope the manager can live up to the hype on his appointment
Lionroars67
Thank you. I had forgotten about Village/Security.
PFayr
Would I ignore such a prominent figure as yourself? 0:-)
I like the Dutch Grass comment but, Green Brigade apart, the crowd is mellow enough already on match days 0:-)
Off to the Golf now so any response will not be ignored, simply unread until later 0:-)
JJ
Our manager wasn’t responsible for the hype.
People within the club built it up, and also a lot of people on here.
No challenge?
Wanna bet?
The sheep will press us all the way in this season’s championship.
Everyone called out for a challenge… well now we’re gonna get a challenge.
Not for me though, I would rather we won the thing by over 20 clear points every time.
Pragmatically speaking.
Be careful what you wish for and all that there and all.
HH.
16 roads – Celtic über alles…
07:03 on
2 August, 2014
Our manager wasn’t responsible for the hype.
People within the club built it up, and also a lot of people on here.
I am sure Ronny and his agent did their best to sell Ronny Delia….. he is quite correct to believe in himself and his ideals and football philosophy
This Wednesday is all about winning by utilising his resources available getting the best out of what he has, developing ideals can come later
Have a good day CQN
Good Morning Timland.
Heading up to a rainy Glesga today to sample the atmosphere,
also taking in the evening session of the boxing finals.
I will be accompanied by Mrs Nye and the young Miss,still
know how to show the ladies a good time.
For all you degenerate gamblers I’ve been told to have a
punt on All Talk N No Do in the 4:05 at Newmarket,don’t
blame me if the beast gets turned over,only passing the
info on……btw are we having a tipsters comp this season?
Nye Bevan
I’m sure the tipsters comp will be on
Hopefully my luck will change …stinking at the moment
I’ll have a wee try on your tip…couldn’t be worse than my own efforts of late
Nye
Big price ..10/1.. At present
….PFayr supports WeeOscar….I’m also on a bad run,
the lad who gave me the info has been a bit of hit and
miss in the past,but I’m assured the horse will be trying,
not always the case in this game.
http://www.thefootballlife.co.uk/post/93571187451/celtic-or-sell-tic
After Legia, it’s a fault of long term strategy more than anything…