A week ago you and I discussed how Newco fans were more confident ahead of a Celtic game than they had ever been, while we, chastened by a lacklustre Celtic performance against them last month, thought we had a game on our hands at Hampden.
Five days after a very one-sided Scottish Cup semi-final and sentiment in both camps has shifted. Newco were awful on a level that it is hard to do justice on the page. Celtic were imperious in possession and attacked with a swagger.
Don’t let what happened a week ago cloud your judgement. I’ve been going to Ibrox for over 30 years, and many on here have been going twice as long, but no matter how poor old Rangers were in that time, we seldom had it easy. On my first visit there we scored four second half goals against a truly awful outfit, but 45 minutes into the game we were two down and struggling.
If you win at Ibrox, you have played well. Celtic will need to be unscrupulously faithful to their tactical system. Brendan will know how to prepare the players for this. They will need the concentration and energy to deliver the performance.
I have some worries for Pedro (apologies, but I’m not sure if he’s going to be around long enough to make it worthwhile learning how to spell his surname). His 10-second principle is a case in point.
In the interview Chris Davies gave to a few Celtic bloggers, including myself, he explained that when Celtic lose possession, the players are told to spend up to six seconds pressing directly for the ball. If they fail to win possession back in this period, they are to drop back into defensive positions.
They have been trained to do this since preseason. It’s risky, and you will note that they do it every week in domestic football, but the technique was used sparingly in the Champions League group stage. The risk of a Barcelona-type team passing through the press is dangerous, as when players are pressing, they are out of position.
This is how modern football is played, but Pedro should be cautious. You cannot reeducate players overnight. If you attempt to and fail, it’s the manager’s responsibility. In fact, this quote from Pedro is exactly what you should expect when you try to force a new system onto a team midseason:
“When we analysed the game in some moments of the game some players were acting in one direction, which was the right direction and other players were not doing the same thing at the same time.”
This was clearly not the outcome Pedro expected, but his explanation suggests he has a lot to learn about how to tactically change football teams.
What’s worse, instead of shielding his players by taking ownership of the blame, he put the players in the dock. It is no surprise that you can detect grumblings of discontent emanating from loyal Ibrox sources.
Taking about “in the dock”, Sir David Murray is currently in the witness box at Craig Whyte’s trial. Proceedings are enthralling, but we’ll catch up with that later. A point worth reiterating:
It is acceptable to report on what was said at court, but unacceptable to prejudice a witness or defendant with your view on that individual, or on evidence presented. So stick to what was said – that’s fascinating enough.
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The last time I was in the bigotdome this was number 1.. Tomorrow I make my comeback … What has changed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpYeekQkAdc
Name the game?
Moonbeams, Salve salve;- Sincere condolences for the loss of your friend. It is the human condition that we are aware of our being and only age reinforces this fact. May his family find comfort in his friends.
Greenwells
Gaudeamus igitur (iuvenes dum sumus).
i used to call it the Edwardian toilet block, but my pedantic self knows that not true, it was built in the national socialist style of the late 1920s
——————
The next major redevelopment occurred in 1928, after Rangers had won their first double.[3] A new Main Stand, to the south side of the ground, was opened on 1 January 1929.[3][4] The Main Stand, which has the familiar Leitch style criss-cross balcony and a red-brick facade, seated 10,000 people , the biggest toilet in the world.
Joe Gallagher – Welcome to the Funhouse.
MWD, Sorry to hear of the passing of yer pal Jim. Rest in Peace, James.
Rangers 1 Celtic 4 later today, although obstacles will be put in Celtics way.
Just seen the new home kit for next season, it’s modelled on the 67 shirt. It’s a beauty. Modelled by KT, Moussa, Broonie, Scotty in the same iconic way in which the players lined up when taking the field in Lisbon. The demand for this shirt will be incredible.
Special welcome to Joe Gallagher and Henri, the special K.
You sound like a lovely couple!
TTR,
Aidan showed me the Shirt (he said it wasn’t definitive) he wasn’t happy about Dafabet spoiling it. :))
Obviously when getting things on a shirt it adds to the cost.
Talking about the Adult shirts only…. Is it cheaper to get a top without Dafabet on it? Not bought one since mid 20s. Or is it dearer to get the shirt without it?
I have no idea.
I’ll be buying that Celtic Top, heck, I might even buy the Shorts and the Socks.
Dannymac on 29th April 2017 12:40 am
Kieran Tierney is just not a world class full back.
Think, maybe Brendan or other advisors briefed him on how to answer questions in front of the camera.
Well done young man.
HH.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I couldnae watch the game midweek where Ralston drew Great Praise from Brendan. I Think Brendan is a Genius. He knows Mikael is quality when he is really on his game.
CELTIC.
Henri, I was sharing your pain. Effed up the login (Joe G) but, due to elder lemon intervention, my chosen moniker appears resplendent ( I hope ).
Brendan Relentless wants payback for Tommy Burns.
He was always going to come and complete the jigsaw.
Those thinking Brendan will leave soon?
LMFAO
I can’t remember who it was that said, Sorry, Celtic might not get the 10 because of a whole restructuring of things.
I’m with Ernie Lynch. Get the UK Leagues going. BT Sport it. Really ram it up UEFA. I know what Brussels is and it is not good.
The SNP are running the show in Scotland the now. Mental. You couldnae make it up.
Rolled over track
Macjay Macjay
Please come back
We miss you
Seriously
Margaret McGill.
Dinnae worry Dude.
He’s taking a break from Wallopers like me, most definitely me.
Every Sane person needs a Break from a Walloper.
You Don’t know this Crazzzzy JIbber Jabber Dude.
“they can’t get 1 more Magoo, they… You are CRAZY MAGOO.”
@ Altitude, och it isnae that funny anyway.
:__)
Pretty sure macjay will be getting his timing right and choosing his moment to re enter the Celtic space time continuum and he;ll definitely be tuning in to watch us humiliate the hun hoard today.
Antipodean Tims, enjoy the day and the pumping of the zombies.
HH
When I managed to ski to a poor level on the last day, I was HAPPY. I was using the Goggles last day and the sweat wasn’t entering my eyes. RESULT.
Ma Wee Bro Dandy is the Best, his Rudi Vata is indeed the finest, just a shame he has no interest in Celtic noo. Andrew has no idea of Celtic. He has decided to go that way.
Is he right, I definitely think he is wrong to not let Andrew know about Celtic….. I did say to him about Celtic being Dads passion.
Different people. Aidan is like his Grandad.
Macjay
Don’t listen to that Carnoustie golfer he is only interested in cheap caddies so he is.
Hope all Tims who enter the Crumbledome tomorrow ,escape unhurt. Hard hats and steelys may help. Hun scum
Anyway
Macjay
If yer lurkin
……….
DD
Tomorrow I suspect total mibbery on the hum prime factor
I think if Celtic gib them tomorrow it could be the beggining of the third coming therefore I suspect Celtic will struggle.
If not then we are witnessing history
Gib= gub
BIG JIMMY on 28TH APRIL 2017 5:53 PM
SUPERSUTTON & GEORDIE,
respectfully Bhoys, the stats on Celtic Zonal Marking just don’t do it for me…I hated Celtic playing it.
I would also say, that to say that Celtic had some degree of success with it is a bit misleading for me, cos when other teams failed to take advantage of it, that could be cos the other teams were not very good ?
It’s a bit like a team saying ” right lets play without a goalie ?
someone says, ” But that would be Football suicide”,
BUT….the other teams are hopeless when they try to attack !
now you wouldn’t do the above, play without a goalie, and for me Zonal Marking is simply INVITING BIG TROUBLE……..as is PLAYING WITHOUT A GOALIE WOULD BE….hoping the other team are crap at attacking ?
just my opinion Bhoys.
———–
It’s a good point Big Jimmy. We’ll never now the answer of course.
What I do know is that goals are conceded at corners when man to man marking. And commentators can then point the finger at an individual.
When conceded using zonal, all they can blame is the system.
Boo!
Task for the deep 2.
Own the game like Lenny and Roy.
Oooh
I just switched tactics.
…………………………..
4-2-3-1 wasn’t even heard of when LENNY & ROY Pished all over Mordor.
M McG
I reckon we will gub them tomorrow and we may see a wee bit of civil disorder fae the hun.
Thankfully I will be in Republican Dalmuir.
Looking forward to meeting you in Lisbon soon.
This is how it feels to be Celtic.
Inspiral Carpets CSC
Its so great that the SNP are running the show now in Scotland and will do so for the foreseeable future.
Its a breath of fresh air bot bowing to your ambassadorial masters. Pheeeeeew.
I think I might pay a quid / euro and join their party.
I like it, in fact I like it a lot.
Freedom
Wee Nicola should receive a knighthood and the engish cow should bend the knew when she presents it.
Jobo Baldie on 29th April 2017 2:18 am
Boo!.
“”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””
Oh My God.
You scared me there.
………………………………………………… I’d advise not to do the boo regularly.
I know Nothing Howevaaaah.
ACGR
Theresa Hitler has a point to prove.
John Lydon was right. Anarchy is the only way.
Wee BOLD Frankie Frae the DRUM went up to, and basically said to the Hun players…..
Rinsing out the Style?
It wouldn’t be my style now but hey
I think it is better to be as Humble as possible.
Worked with Frankie @ BAE Systems.
Gallus dude.
Frankie took the BAE Money to leave.
Sad indictment of the Scottish Branch.
Petec
This is how it feels to be Celtic!
Champions again don’t you know.
Brendan Rodgers is here for 10 in a row.
10 in a row.
Inspiral Carpets roadie Noel Gallagher is happy wi the song
When wee Nikki leads us to freedom, the fictitious tower of babel will turn into a popcorn, ice cream and jelly fountain.
She will welcome the religious nutters and batshit mental fruitcakes anaw,, and free us from our imperial shackles……………………..so she wull.
Freedom and cake
If the Huns ever cheat themselves out of existence I am campaigning to get rid of this bigot buck loving board . Company this comoany that shove it up your arse!
Govan is Hell.
Delaneys Dunky,
19th May…. me and Aidan get a chance to move seats.
I know the Lord Almighty will Provide.
If not Glasses required. I’m fortunate I’m working back shift.
I Won’t make the mistake of not joining the Cup scheme again.
I just didn’t like the idea of Money taken out of your account without any control on it. Times 2.
Prudent.
Gutted Aidan hasn’t been at Any major game.