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.
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Bed time boys – sadly Claudia is as big a dream for me as the Chapions League is for the Huns
HH
67ECW
Burnley
I don’t care for your condescending tone….
If think all is well at CFC and we’re putting the best team on the park we can manage then bully for you
The quality of our squad is for the most part moderate at best ….and has been decreasing since last summer to such an extent that we got stuffed by a work a day Polish outfit …that’s a low point for me …as for the other years you mention we didnt generate tens of millions in the transfer market those years
B.B.C.
While McGregor was catching the eye, Scotland’s player of the year last term, Kris Commons, was on the bench in Slovenia.
However, Deila is sure he will work to get his place back.
He said: “I talked with him before I took him out the team. Kris is a team player and he understands it’s not that he is playing badly, we just chose another formation. So there was no problem.”
Meanwhile, as a loan move for Rubin Kazan winger Wakaso Mubarak nears completion, Deila admitted one of the players he is interested in is Cardiff midfielder Kim Bo-kyung.
“That’s a guy we have been talking about but we haven’t done anything concrete,” he said.
Cowiebhoy
22:54 on
21 August, 2014
Someone put up Jelle Vossen of Genk earlier as a potential striker target.
Decent record, but I see Everton showed interest and quoted £7m, so won’t be coming to us
Hail Hail
—————
I think I’ve mentioned him a few times so it was probably me. If Everton are interested and it’s £7m then of course we have no chance, but I’m not sure where you’ve seen that. Done a quick google search and I only see that mentioned on rumour sites. The reason why I’m heavily touting him is he has been strongly linked with a £5m move to Middlesborough.
Quote from the man himself below. Prices mentioned are euros:
“I’m bitterly disappointed at what Genk’s president said. He gave the impression it’s all about the money. I’d expected some more respect,” Vossen told Het Belang van Limburg.
“In January, Rubin Kazan had offered Genk seven million plus add-ons. Genk rejected it and I didn’t make a war. We’ve made the agreement that if there was a good bid in the summer, I would be allowed to go.
“We put an amount on paper and I must admit it’s higher than four million [which Middlesbrough offered], but there was that promise. It’s a shame they don’t want to fulfil it.
“Four million is a good amount for a Belgian striker, and the add-ons aren’t included. If they’re waiting for a bid of seven million, they could be waiting for a long time. Certainly after last season. I’ve lost my place in the World Cup squad and we aren’t even playing in the Europa League. I’m ready for a transfer abroad and I would find Middlesbrough a good challenge.”
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11688/9378770/transfer-news-jelle-vossen-tells-genk-to-accept-middlesbrough-bid
….PFayr supports WeeOscar
00:08 on 22 August, 2014
Scullybhoy
Messi, Ronaldo and Bale
……………………………………………………………
Well I really hope you do get to run the club, even Neg an on an on an on an on couldn’t promise that.
Off to sleep now – if I can sleep after being encouraged to see what we could achieve if we only had a decent board.
PFayr
Tut! Tut! Arguing with the corporate policy luvvies at this time of night!
#witsataweraboot
Don’t you know the PLC invested in us getting past Legia?
MWD says AYE
Burnley78
Neganon did just that for CQN Magazine at the end of last season.
Read it here:
http://www.calameo.com/read/0003901717b11f6e50af4?view=book&page=66
TTT
I’m great …even enjoyed the game last night …that’s three in a row :-))
On holiday next week..late summer one …be nice to get some down time
I trust your break went well
Night all
PF,
3 on the trot? That a PB? :-)
Im sure you’ll be delighted to recharge the batteries. The Pups left yet or still eating into your already depleted account?
Hols were excellent thanks. Although far from relaxing. Could have done with an extra week off when returned. However was not to be. cest la vie.
Catch up soon.
HAIL! HAIL!
Token
67ECW, there’s no pleasure without pain – remind me of what team we love.
Jamesgang, that’s my problem . i always come first .
TTT , “Big numpty” !!? that’s it ? that’s the best you can do ? you folically challenged , geographically dyslexic , social amnesiac !
Sanna
Sanna,
I know…..but it does sum you up far too well
:-)
HAIL! HAIL!
Token
ttt
touche`
i’d call that a draw .
be good to meet up soon- not had a good sess in ages.
night all
sanna
The Token Tim
Was at the Neuchatel game too, still remember leaving that stadium with the locals going mental. Cascarino missed about three one on ones. Went to Lucerne for a few days after it and calmed down a bit, talked myself into a 4-0 home win. If only Charlie would have scored that penalty ! Brady got it wrong but if we’d had a half decent striker we’d have ran amok.
Loved Switzerland though
HH
NegAnon2
You have been contributing to this blog for many years…..
You are correct!, CQN has changed, the SPL has changed, and Celtic has changed.
I suppose that is what happens when we get older. Change….. Apparently it’s the only constant. Have to say though the speed of that constant is accelerating at a pace never known in human history, or mine.
Please keep posting…..
I lurk nowadays for many of the reasons you articulated.
I still lurk because you and others articulate my own thoughts, more reasonably than I could.
And if you choose not too…..
Let us know where you will express yourself.
If I may express myself….. You appear to be agitated with the loss of CQN as an objective, respectful Forum. Once revealed, you can be sure they will not be allowed to prosper….
It’s the way of the so called free market..
You fight the good fight you see fit…… Just let us know where. I will subscribe.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zsT9wDBXyjE.
KTF
PJ
PJBHOYNYC
Nice to have you back,if only fleetingly.
I don’t consider myself to be in the same league as NEGANON but I like to think I am in league with him. He articulates concerns which are mine also.
I know of a fair few others similarly concerned. Clearly you do too.
While it’s unfair to ask NEGANON to shoulder the brunt of the argument entirely on his own,he does it much better than I can,even if I try my best.
The arguments will continue for as long as people see fit to support the team yet criticise the board and others view such a path as an attack on Celtic.
Your contributions to the debate are sorely missed,mate.
Celtic are racing to stave off a bidding war as they try to snap up £2.5million Serbian striker Stefan Scepovic
Aug 22, 2014 03:00 By Craig Swan 1 Comments
THE Hoops have already opened talks with Sporting Gijon about the 24-year-old but interest from PSV Eindhoven and Werder Bremen could hike up the price.
Action ImagesSporting Gijon’s striker Stefan Scepovic celebrates after scoring
CELTIC are racing to stave off a bidding war with PSV Eindhoven and Werder Bremen in the chase to land £2.5million hitman Stefan Scepovic.
The Serb is on the radar of Parkhead manager Ronny Deila as he seeks to boost his frontline.
Celtic are leading the chase for Scepovic having opened talks with his club Sporting Gijon but counter offers from Holland and Germany are on the verge of being lodged which could hike the price.
The 24-year-old is on his way out of Gijon and has enlisted new agent Juanma Lopez to speed his exit. Scepovic’s name has now been circulated to clubs and PSV are ready to reignite their interest while Werder have joined the hunt.
PSV wanted the striker in January but Gijon were instead able to turn their three-year loan agreement with Partizan Belgrade into a permanent transfer.
The Dutch side have discussed the prospect of launching another bid and Werder are also weighing up the prospect of an offer.
However, Celtic could get a deal done before they move. Gijon want money in quickly to fund their attempt to sign loan striker Dejan Lekic on a permanent deal from Turks Genclerbirligi.
And the Hoops, hot favourites to finish the qualifying job against Maribor next week , could have the Champions League as their ace card to lure Scepovic.
Asked about Scepovic, boss Deila added: “We are looking for a bigger striker and he is one of the options. We are looking for a targetman who can be good with crosses.
“We have good strikers but they are similar. We need different things.”
Deila admitted Ghana winger Wakaso Mubarak, still trying to tie up his loan move from Rubin Kazan , won’t play tomorrow against Inverness.
He said: “When a player is moving clubs you never know what’s going on but I have a good feeling something will happen in the next 10 days.”
And he didn’t rule out a move for Rennes defender and Cameroon international Jean-Armel Kana-Biyik.
He added: “You never know. It’s about quality. If I feel this player can make us better I don’t care what position it is.”
Celtic stopper Virgil van Dijk is reportedly a target for Newcastle but Deila last night told him to stay at Celtic just now and he’ll end up at a bigger club than the Magpies.
He said: “Virgil is vital for us. If he trains well and focuses on the right things he can go to big clubs and by that I mean above Newcastle.”
Build a Deila Dome! Ronny wants Celtic to create training facilities
RONNY DEILA wants to use Celtic’s potential £20million Champions League windfall to build a state-of-the-art indoor training facility.
By: Michael BailliePublished: Fri, August 22, 2014
And the Celtic manager believes that could be a more important addition than landing a new signing. The Hoops are on the verge of the money-spinning group stages of Europe’s premier club competition following their 1-1 draw with Maribor.
While he is keen to strengthen his squad, one of Deila’s priorities is to improve the indoor training facilities at Lennoxtown.
He wants a covered artificial surface that can be used during winter.
Celtic opened their Lennoxtown training base in 2007 but Deila claims their indoor facilities are too small.
“We need a bigger one. It will be good for the academy as well,” he said.
“The most important thing is to get better artificial grass at Lennoxtown with a dome over it.
“That’s one of the things I think is important to do because it’s hard at Lennoxtown when the pitches are not so good in winter.
“So to have the possibility of going inside and having quality training is maybe more important than a new player.
“That’s what I’m looking for. The Champions League could be a positive thing for that in terms of money.
“Lennoxtown is fantastic. It’s just the weather, if it wasn’t for that then there would be no problem.
“But when it’s windy and rainy, the pace goes out of the training and that’s why it’s important to go inside and do things.”
Celtic’s Champions League reprieve could be very costly for Rangers, says Alex McLeish
Former Ibrox manager says Champions League revenue will propel Scottish champions even further ahead of his old club
Empty feeling: Rangers are still suffering from fall in gate revenue after their demotion Photo: PA
By Ewing Grahame10:30PM BST 21 Aug 20147 Comments
While the oversight which saw the suspended Bartosz Bereszynski come off the bench for the final four minutes of the second leg of Legia Warsaw’s Champions League qualifying tie with Celtic was an expensive one for the Polish side – costing them their place in the competition — it may prove even more costly for Rangers.
On Wednesday, Celtic drew 1-1 with Maribor in Slovenia, a result which makes them favourites to win the return at Parkhead on Tuesday.
Progress to the group stage for the third successive season will see Celtic awarded £6.9million by Uefa simply for participating in the competition proper. They will then receive £800,000 for each win and £400,000 per draw: they have already earned £1.69 million simply for taking part in the play-offs.
Should Celtic prevail on Tuesday (and they are planning to rest key players for the match at Inverness tomorrow) they can anticipate further dividends from gate money, corporate hospitality, advertising and sponsorship as well as the lucrative invitations to play abroad which Champions League regulars receive.
Rangers, meanwhile, are living hand to mouth in the Championship, hit by an organised boycott of season-tickets by disaffected supporters and hampered by the lack of a credit facility from the banks.
Alex McLeish won a domestic treble as manager of Rangers in 2003 and, in his final season in charge (2005/06) became the first man to lead a Scottish club into the last 16 of the Champions League. However, since being liquidated in 2012, the current incarnation of the club has been haemorrhaging money at an alarming rate. Promotion this season is essential if their business plan is to have any hope of succeeding but McLeish fears that Celtic — who are also £33 million up on transfer dealings since 2010 — could prove to be uncatchable for years to come.
“Celtic will be streets ahead in terms of finances but it’s up to Rangers to bridge the gap with shrewd signings,” he said.
“When I was at Birmingham, Aston Villa had spent around £100 million and we were miles behind but I thought by the time we left Birmingham we were catching them up. We were closing that gap.
“We beat them in the Carling Cup and we drew three times that season and those were games we should have won. So you have to have ambition to get closer but it’s going to be difficult to usurp Celtic.
“It’s going to be tough for Rangers to get to where Celtic are, financially.” McLeish was speaking at the launch of Fergie Rises by Michael Grant, a study of Alex Ferguson’s time at Aberdeen, and he has no doubt that his mentor is unrivalled.
“He launched Aberdeen into the stratosphere.“It would be hard to see anyone emulate what he did or beat it. He was a one-off.”
FOOTBALL
Ronny Deila confirms Kim Bo-Kyung interest
By Shane Callaghan, Reporter
Filed: Thursday, August 21, 2014 at 22:23 UK
Last Updated: Thursday, August 21, 2014 at 22:23 UK
Celtic manager Ronny Deila has revealed that he is interested in luring Cardiff City midfielder Kim Bo-kyung to Parkhead.
The 24-year-old’s contract with the Bluebirds expires next summer, and Deila confirms that the South Korean is one of “two or three” players that could arrive in Glasgow.
“That’s a guy [Kim] we have been talking about but we haven’t done anything concrete,” he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.
“It’s not about numbers, it’s about quality. If we can get players who can make the team and the squad better, it could be two or three players. But if we don’t find that, it could be zero.”
Bo-Kyung’s last Cardiff appearance came in the 3-1 win over Huddersfield last weekend.
Celtic look to build on European showing
Friday, August 22, 2014 – 11:15 AM
Source: AFP
Author: Alistair Watson
Celtic manager Ronny Deila says he is pleased with the continued improvement of his side as they prepare to face Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday.
The Hoops secured a 1-1 draw with NK Maribor in Slovenia on Wednesday in the first leg of their Champions League playoff to put themselves in the driving seat in the tie.
After a shaky start to life in charge of the Glasgow giants, Deila has seen his side convincingly win their opening two Scottish Premiership fixtures while the result in midweek means they stand on the verge of progressing to the group stages of Europe’s elite club competition.
“I feel we are improving all the time. It is always much better to continue improving when you’re winning and getting good results. I hope we can continue but if you win or lose it’s about what you can learn from it,” the Norwegian manager said.
John Hughes’ side top the Scottish Premiership by a point, albeit Celtic have played a game fewer.
Deila insists his side will be fully focussed on the match but with the return leg with NK Maribor three days later the Celtic boss suggested he may rotate his squad for the match in the Highlands.
“We have a big squad so it is important to use it. That’s one of the big advantages we have,” the Celtic manager said.
“I have to say Inverness is the most important thing and only after that game we can think of the next.
Dundee United will attempt to get over last week’s thrashing by Celtic when they host Ross County, who are still without a win, at Tannadice.
St Mirren will attempt to pick up their first points of the season when they welcome Dundee to Paisley, newly promoted will try to continue their good start to life in the Premiership when they take on Partick Thistle, St Johnstone host Aberdeen at McDiarmid Park and Motherwell make the trip to Rugby Park to face Kilmarnock.
©2014 AFP
eurochamps67
23:01 on 21 August, 2014
Great effort mate, was too far away and was rushing to meet kickinthenakas.
caltontongues#teamoscar
23:42 on 21 August, 2014
I know your a good Driver, my lift home. From Aberdour is testament to that but as hamiltontim posted, get a Toilet…:)
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
Morning CQN
Dry and cold in Cambuslang although most of the locals won’t stay dry for long on a Friday ;)
What time is kick off tomorrow … Is it 12;45
tbj says wee oscar knox is in heaven with the angels
06:19 on 22 August, 2014
12:30 K.O.
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
Lennybhoy
Cheers for that mate
Will probably pop round to the ritz bar and catch the match with a diet irn bru
Just reading some articles on the main bbc site
Poor gazza looking shocking and reported to being evicted from his home . The term ” demon drink ” sure applies to the guy
Ballotelli to Liverpool for £16m …. I suppose Ronny does not think Mario works hard enough and maybe too much baggage ;)
Big Malky sent 3 ” offensive ” texts to his mate from 70,000 . Not defending racism etc but if we were all to be pulled up for every private conversation between pals not many would come out lily white . Let he who is without sin cast the first stone
http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/502046/Celtic-target-Serbia-international-Stefan-Scepovic
twists n turns
05:30 on
22 August, 2014
Celtic’s Champions League reprieve could be very costly for Rangers, says Alex McLeish
==============================
Is McLeish for real? When he joined Rangers they had an £80M overdraft from a bank who had wanted to close Celtic down for £6M less than ten years earlier. The first player to sign was Arteta, for £6M. An undisputed illegal tax avoidance scheme had already been used to pay Flo and De Boer, while McLeish benefited from a furtther risky scheme that allowed him to sign players they otherwise could not have afforded. None of this was available to Celtic Of course the media could point all this out to him but there’s as much chance of that as the next arrival at Glasgow Airport being a herd of pink elephants flying in from an unknown universe.
twists n turns
05:28 on 22 August, 2014
Build a Deila Dome! Ronny wants Celtic to create training facilities
RONNY DEILA wants to use Celtic’s potential £20million Champions League windfall to build a state-of-the-art indoor training facility.
By: Michael BailliePublished: Fri, August 22, 2014
And the Celtic manager believes that could be a more important addition than landing a new signing. The Hoops are on the verge of the money-spinning group stages of Europe’s premier club competition following their 1-1 draw with Maribor.
While he is keen to strengthen his squad, one of Deila’s priorities is to improve the indoor training facilities at Lennoxtown.
He wants a covered artificial surface that can be used during winter.
Celtic opened their Lennoxtown training base in 2007 but Deila claims their indoor facilities are too small.
“We need a bigger one. It will be good for the academy as well,” he said.
“The most important thing is to get better artificial grass at Lennoxtown with a dome over it.
“That’s one of the things I think is important to do because it’s hard at Lennoxtown when the pitches are not so good in winter.
“So to have the possibility of going inside and having quality training is maybe more important than a new player.
“That’s what I’m looking for. The Champions League could be a positive thing for that in terms of money.
“Lennoxtown is fantastic. It’s just the weather, if it wasn’t for that then there would be no problem.
“But when it’s windy and rainy, the pace goes out of the training and that’s why it’s important to go inside and do things.”
——–
So we now find out the REAL reason for auld Fergus being in town last weekend…..
Mind yon big hollow bouncy castle thing they used to have at barrowfield. Like a crashed zeppelin lying on its side.
Well it’s now stuffed in the back of a cupboard somewhere in CP …..Peter spent an age looking for it the other day cos Ronny wanted to play with if, but could he find it anywhere?????
So auld Fergus popped in for a rummage to see if he could spit it….
;-)
HH jamesgang
Neganon,
stop engaging with the WWF morons and you will be fine. Scroll past them.You know what their opinion is anyway. James Forrest needs to learn to do the same.
Will we see Mr. Z back after CQNs deplorable output these last two weeks.I am not so sure.
I did point out a few years back that this is what the plc want.
Is their enough of them to make Celtic sustainable ?
Good morning friends and a Big Happy Friday from a dry, bright and mildish East Kilbride.
Was completely out of the football loop yesterday as I was celebrating Mrs Baldies 29th anniversary of her 21st birthday. Did we sign the Ghanaian winger, or a striker perhaps?
Jobo
Dry and still in bishopton. Sun up.
PJBhoynyc
04:29 on 22 August, 2014
NegAnon2
You have been contributing to this blog for many years…..
You are correct!, CQN has changed, the SPL has changed, and Celtic has changed.
I suppose that is what happens when we get older. Change….. Apparently it’s the only constant. Have to say though the speed of that constant is accelerating at a pace never known in human history, or mine.
Please keep posting…..
I lurk nowadays for many of the reasons you articulated.
I still lurk because you and others articulate my own thoughts, more reasonably than I could.
And if you choose not too…..
Let us know where you will express yourself.
If I may express myself….. You appear to be agitated with the loss of CQN as an objective, respectful Forum. Once revealed, you can be sure they will not be allowed to prosper….
It’s the way of the so called free market..
You fight the good fight you see fit…… Just let us know where. I will subscribe.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zsT9wDBXyjE.
KTF
PJ
_________________________________________________________________
I’ve spent a night trying to sort a computer that went on the blink and I think I know the ole pc world not too bad.
I’ve eliminated the obvious, removing the Keyboard that was splattered with vodka, soda water and orange juice, the reason I had orange juice in that mix, that night (a few weeks ago now), well my wee laddie, through his Mum, brought me back Spanish Firewater… I think most of us know that, that sort of paint stripper is difficult to drink. It was the mega amount as well!!!!! It is the thought that counts. :))
I don’t have a lot of Time to read CQN through the week so I definitely skim through so much of the blog, most people do, I would reckon. I skim by names and Neganon, like yourself, always gets me reading the contribution to the blog.
The World is changing, dramatically, Masonically inspired by illumined persons, the Singularity, well the Film makers already knew a long time ago, HollyWood, is the vehicle to plant seeds.
JohnnyC-Terminator.cSc
upthehoops
07:07 on 22 August, 2014
When I passed Edinburgh airport I saw the pinkies and thought wrong airport…………….
McLeish on Fergie…“He launched Aberdeen into the stratosphere.“It would be hard to see anyone emulate what he did or beat it. He was a one-off.”
To be fair Eck you helped launch the Huns to Hades campaign. Fair play. Not an achievement to be underestimated. And one that many on here would thank you for.
HH jamesgang
I like what Ronny is saying about Leigh.
He says he is the best Finisher that he has ever seen. Celtic need a Finisher, Ronny is telling Leigh to shape up and be the very best he can be.
Ronny is very clever, IMO.
Awe naw
The content of the blog was quite incredible last night
Neganon was getting rubbish thrown at him from all angles ….and by association some of the numpties were having a go me
The number of PLC toadying sycophants is increasing ……
The excuses being peddled for not signing players were varied but nonetheless consistent
Apparently we are investing in the squad …..notwithstanding the huge profits retained in transfer dealings ….bringing in loan signings after the sale of FF and TW is investing dontcha know
Also we don’t want to go burst , players might get injured , nobody will sign for us ….
The plc have done a fantastic job turning fans into armchair accountants who are prepared to follow their mantra
One for budding statisticians out there.
A conversation last night promoted the question?
‘How many times since their establishment have sevco been drawn against clubs higher than them in the league structure in cups? ‘ figure as a percentage would be useful.
Would also be good to know of the times that has happened if there were any teams in their league or lower left?
And lastly what preventative of cup draws has seen them play at home?
Kdc
inquisitive csc
Preventative? Percentage of course