Last night’s performance was a vast improvement on the horrible displays against Legia and gave us our second insight (after United) into how Ronny Deila is changing the way Celtic play football.
Key to the performance was the movement of his two Norwegians, Stefan Johansen and Jo Inge Berget, Callum McGregor and Beram Kayal. Johansen, who closed down space high up the field, pressurising defenders, played his best game for Celtic. Less said about his clearance of a Virgil van Dijk header the better.
Watching Kayal was like meeting an old friend again. The player, who in 2011 kept Victor Wanyama out of the team, has been a shadow of his former self since returning from injury two years ago. He is another player who enjoys closing space.
I’m an acknowledged cynic when it comes to even remotely hyped young players breaking through the ranks, but Callum McGregor has now delivered repeatedly. There is a long hard season ahead of him, and let’s remember, form fluctuates, but he has looked like one of the best players in the team so far. I doubt any Celtic player has opened the scoring in three consecutive European away games.
The first 35 minutes saw Maribor sit deep, which allowed Celtic to build patiently. Movement was good during this period, players in possession always had options, so we were able to switch play, force opponents to chase the ball, and penetrate with purpose.
Play was bound to change when Maribor started to close down higher up field, but Celtic reacted by playing low-percentage balls forward, which invariably resulted in possession being lost. I would like to see us look for less-ambitious passes more often.
There were several concerns, not least of all at the back. A defence which was impregnable for much of last season is now being cut open with regularity. I don’t subscribe to the view that players suddenly lose instinct and awareness over the summer, so it’s likely that a change in the midfield shape is exposing frailties in defence.
Maribor players found themselves clean through on a couple of occasions last night, echoing what happened in Warsaw and at Murrayfield. Ronny needs to find a fix.
Despite clearly being the better team, there is still a big job ahead for Celtic next week, better teams don’t always win, but a disciplined performance, no red cards, no mistakes at the back, should see us through.
Take no chances at Inverness on Saturday, make sure players are rested and fit.
[calameo code=000390171ae033f39a0c4 lang=en page=120 hidelinks=1 width=100% height=500]
1,177 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- ...
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- ...
- 31
- »
Can not believe that people want to sell Kris .
Easily one of the best players in Scotland. Hasnt had the greatest of European runs but we play most of our games against Scottish opposition and he has proved he can handle them quite easily.
Bonkers idea to try and get rid
Hamilton Tim
If Ronny pairs Stokes with Declan Sanchez on Tuesday night does that give you a get out of jail card with the kids. You could tell them that they’re going to see Ant and Dec at Celtic Park. Apologies if anyone has pointed this out already :-))
traditionalist88
hahaha, hadnt thought of that
HT,
I know your mate is kidding but the 3-0 only happens if it’s worse than the actual score.
Still funny though :)
BSR
/
the honest mistake loves being first
12:29 on 21 August, 2014
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
It is with a heavy heart that I need to report that wee Evie (the wee girl that we helped in Wimbledon with the CQN night) has taken a turn for the worse and has been sent home from hospital to be with her family until she is at peace.
Thoughts and prayers with her and her family. God bless.
Desperately sad news
God bless
/
Johnnyrambo,
Agreed.
Most of the best full backs are izzys height or wee’er.
Tosb Vg:)
……/
Big Jan VoH on Sky Sports 5 just now. He loves Celtic. Great big ghuy. He can’t wait for Tuesday night.
Feckin phone:-(
Clink
Kris Commons, Virgil and Efe were the three players I enjoyed watching most last season. Why we would want to sell them to boost a bank balance, I just don’t understand.
We need punters in the stadium to boost the bank balance.
SadiesBhoy
I loved the big man, his injury time winner against them is one I’ll never forget.
…”Sifters, Shifters, Finger Clicking Mamas” by Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band … in 1968 !!! (So glad I don’t still have that !!!)
The Honest Mistake, desperately sad news, Evie is in my thoughts, as are all close to her.
Another question about yesterdays game, similar to my earlier one about a midfielder handing over coverage for a runner to a zonal defence.
The Maribor goal was scored in exactly the same manner as the Kayal/Ibrami incident in the second half.
Bohar was being marked goalside by Callum McGregor in the lead up, but as Bohar ran into the box, Callum stayed where he was and Bohar continuing his run surprised Lustig and got in before him to score.
HH
sipsini
16:46 on 21 August, 2014
jamesgang,
Gave me a chuckle seeing the use of the word “maddie”.
That’s the name I use for the ex-wife on my mobile…:)
——
Assume she’s not called Madelaine?!?
Mine’s is called Winnie. In recognition of the fact that she portrays herself as some kind of uber super single mum who raises children single handedly against the odds just like mrs mandela did when the big Mhan was imprisoned.
Irony of course being that the kids are with me most of the time as she’s so career driven. Old Nelson M prob saw more of his kids than she does!
Exs. Grrrr!
;-)
HH jamesgang
RWE
Think Lustig should have gone goalside, should have been a natural instinct . Thought he had a good game otherwise
King Lubo
at 17.09
HIya, Doin’.. Pally?
Gosh.. It’s Grand tae Hae a wee Gab wi ye.. Pal..
Yes..
Ah Luv.. Ma Mince n Totties…
But.. Unfortunately.. Ah Nevah goat A Chance tae
Sink Ma teeth intae… Wan o’ Those Wonderfull STOVED POTATOES, that Ah hiv Heard so Much Aboot…
Still..
Ye Must Remember ,that ..
Awe Ma Helpings of the Legendary ..Mince n Tottie ,Dish..
HIv bin made by..
First.. a French Lady.. Who Wiz Ma Sainted Mama..
n
Noo..in My Noo Time..
By an Italian Lassie!
Baith gals.. Don’t even know the whit Stovies Ur..
n.. By the way..
NEETHUR DAE AH!
So..ye kin See that Ma Chance of ever tasting those Storied Stovies.. that Ye keep oan Tantalizing Me.. by Mentioning..
jjst Wullnae Happen.
Much tae Ma Consternation n Chagrin.
Ach.. Ah wull jist hiv tae Live wi ..that Ever Lasting Regret!
Nice Chatting Pally.. as Evah.
Kojo.. Ye Pal . Who Likes Ye. Aloater
Thoughts & prayers for Evie and those close to her.
HH jamesgang
twentyfirstofmaynineteenseventynine
17:20 on 21 August, 2014
SadiesBhoy
I loved the big man, his injury time winner against them is one I’ll never forget.
……………………………….
3 others: at Old Trafford in 2-3 game, Hibs in his debut for us and at Tannadice on Helicopter Thursday to win the League. Among many others. A true Celtic Hero.
No Tonev for Sat and next week at least. Was hoping to see him at ICT. Not fit enough apparently.
HH
TheOriginalSadiesBhoy,
By and large our ex foreign players ( Including those from the rest of the UK for some ) have been really appreciative and complementary.
It is the former home-grown players who seem to have a “chip on their shoulder”. This begs the question; why ?
I think the answer is self explanatory when you consider our society.
HH to you.
Broonie
Improving?
Captain material?
Integral to success now and for several years to come?
You’ve got 3 YESES
LouisWalshCSC!
HH jamesgang
Whatever system we might be playing, Lustig should have picked up Bohar – I’m sure he knows that.
The new coaches clearly need some time to work with the back four and defensive midfield unit.
Broonie goal against the dead club
A thing of beauty :))))
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MO-bim6Q8uU
See shortbread gleefully reminding everyone that Mackay used to play for Celtic ….. Bless them…!!!!
Jeg er Delia Smith. You are correct the big guy hasnt found his form yet I hope he gets it very soon.H.H.
I thought Lustig had a good game otherwise
I say again, 2nd eleven for this weekend
TOSB
You are a genius that might just work :-)
GM
It made me laugh :-)
Legia winning 1:0 in Kazakhstan with 5 minutes to play in the first leg.
Noticed a comment earlier about there being a lot of lacklustre 1-0 or 2-1 wins last season.
Thought Id check the stats.
Out of 38 league matches played there were 11 games with this type of scoreline.
Total for season
For 102 Against 25
Average score 2.7 v 0.66.
We went from the beginning of Dec until the middle of April losing only 3 goals whilst scoring 53 in reply.
Think I might wish for another lacklustre league campaign this season
jamesgang
17:28 on 21 August, 2014,
I know where you’re coming from mate, by bringing up the kids practically by yourself.
I walked out with my kids over twelve years ago, they were only five and six at the time. It’s only in the past couple of years their mum has had some input in their lives.
Only with the help of my family and friends did I manage to cope and work full time.
A lot easier now they are up and turned out well.
Such is why “maddie” is a suitable name for her. HH
clink\o/
Evidence based comment is the deadly when exposed to conjecture based blogs!
Careful now!
HH jamesgang
Thought we were excellent last night dealing with their corners.
Got to the stage where I wasnt having kittens when they got a late corner.
It was a nice feeling. Confidence
from Jim Spence:
Dundee Utd have had an apology from Hull over late unpaid 1st instalment of Andy Robertson fee. Over 1 million pounds due but still unpaid.
—
I’m in shock here
Legia Warsaw playing in the Uefa cup
Guess morals took a poor second place to filthy lucre after all