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Plaudits, Brendan not for changing

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By on CQN BLOG & Comments

It was all so promising.  35 minutes in, eight Celtic attempts on goal, zero for Valencia.  Even when Jeremy Toljan left the field for a second yellow card, there were still positives.  We both know that last night’s game was never really about qualification for the next round, so too did Valencia, but it was a useful yardstick for where we are now and where we can hope to be in the summer.

Scott Bain was already established as first choice ‘keeper, but, without seeing much of him before joining Celtic, I think we can say this was the best performance of his career to date.  He can play at this level and has been an excellent acquisition to the team.

Brendan Rodgers felt sore about Jeremy Toljan’s second yellow.  The full back was pushed before falling into Guedes.  It was harsh and the referee probably failed to spot the push, but Toljan was caught in the wrong position and his fall was unnecessary.  Jeremy is undoubtedly an upgrade on Mikael Lustig, but small lapses like this is why he’s not at Dortmund right now.

The three central defenders were stand-out successes.  Kristoffer Ajer will replay in his head, the header from the free kick and volley from the corner.  They were chances to open the scoring but his all round play came close to Man of the Match levels.

I had written off Jozo Simunovic’s usefulness, largely, but not exclusively, on the basis of his fitful availability.  However, he showed again last night that he can contribute to the team and deserves a place in the squad.  Like Scott Bain, Jonny Hayes had the game of his life.  He looked intent to make his mark at the Mestalla and did so.

Callum McGregor was my pick of the midfield players.  He was forever tidy under pressure, operating with calm in very tight spaces.  Scott Brown was at his best, although a rash tackle brougth an early booking that looked ominous.  We got little from the more creative mids, James Forrest and Ryan Christie.

The entire Oliver Burke story was there to see.  Great pace and strength, clumsy touch.  There is an inverse relationship between speed and control.

Odsonne Eduard made a quick impact when he came on but was eventually subdued.  The occasion looked too high a step for Mikey Johnston.

In his post-match interview, Brendan addressed suggestions that he should change his style of play for these matches, citing Leipzig and this game as certification that it can work.  Last night had the concession of a third central defender, at the cost of an attack-minded player.  We should also caveat that Valencia were two goals up from the game in Glasgow, with little to prove.

The manager is not for changing his high press game, so devastatingly successful domestically, but so open to debate in Europe.

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  3. Dbhoy on

    MIKE IN TORONTO on 23RD FEBRUARY 2019 4:23 PM

     

    No apology necessary , I assumed you’d accidentally missed my post .

     

    The sound in the smaller venues is often excellent and makes for a more enjoyable concert imo. Seen quite a few in nightclubs in oz – Primal Scream, Jake Bugg , Roachford and other acts like Oasis, Kasabian,Stereophonic’s ,Paul Weller and Ocean Colour Scene in venues not bigger than a town hall . Brilliant experience to see them close up.

     

     

    Enjoy the gig and stick a post up of how it went . Listening to the Ondara video you posted earlier on my first listen , vocally he reminded me of Tracy Chapman . Voice as smooth as silk.

     

     

    HH

  9. macjay1 for Neil Lennon on

    Lenny must be mistaken.

     

    CQN regulars know that Lenny left principally because PL wouldn`t give him the money for new recruits.

     

     

     

    “Part of it [for me was the need for constant team rebuilding], yeah, but in my time there was no Rangers either and we had won the league by March and I think we ended up winning it by late 20s to 30 points. That was the end of four years and you are just thinking, ‘I need a break’. Personally, I need a break for myself more than anything else. That was a major factor in wanting to take a step out.”

  11. petec on

    macjay1,

     

     

    Lenny is a Legend.

     

     

    Fear factor is always good.

     

     

    I listened to the whole interview with Mark Warburton and he slated Jock Wallace. Very interesting that he said he would Never treat his players like that.

     

     

    Sevco were never the dirty team under Mark.

     

     

    Time is essential to Build something really Special.

  12. petec on

    Dbhoy on 24th February 2019 1:18 am

     

     

    Petec

     

     

    Cheers for that, was away exploring YouTube there.

     

     

    HH

     

     

    ……………………………………………………………………………….

     

     

    Dinnae dae that as you will end up finding stuff like THIS!!!!

  16. petec on

    Dbhoy,

     

     

    Best wishes Brother in Rhthym as my back is starting to ache as well noo in bed – i feel creaking bones.

     

     

    Timo Weah is gonnae rock – especially if the excellent young Well players go for it – I really hope they do and make it a cracker.

  18. petec on

    There is always the Man (likely frae Lanarkshire) in black there to Spoil @ the Holy Ground.

     

     

    Wow!!!!! deceiving so many has mega penalties.

  21. petec on

    Dbhoy on 24th February 2019 1:53 am

     

     

    Petec

     

     

    Thanks. Had hip replaced on Tuesday, early days, I know it will get better and I’m very fortunate for that.

     

     

    I’ll leave you with one of my favorite dance tracks…

     

     

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P8JEm4d6Wu4

     

     

    HH

     

     

    ……………………………………………………

     

     

    I Sleep for Scotland.

     

     

    The very best wishes again.

     

     

    I cannae wait for that teamsheet.

     

     

    The Almighty Created EVERYTHING

  23. macjay1 for Neil Lennon on

    Pete

     

     

    My son and I were lucky enough to meet Lenny a few years back when he was in Sydney.

     

    Kitalba was there too .

     

     

    The G.B. will probably learn common sense as they get older.

     

    Currently they are a law unto themselves.

     

    That is unhealthy for them and for Celtic.

     

     

    ” Youth is wasted on the young “

  24. petec on

    macjay1,

     

     

    Lenny is still out in West End and making Celtic Supporters feel like THEY are Special.

     

     

    Selfless Celt. A real hero of Scottish fitba.

     

     

    Something inside so strong.

     

     

    Love is the Law.

     

     

    I hope Kitalba is good – I remember him posting a jibber jabber from Dr Ben Carson that a plane to fly needs a left wing and a right.

     

     

    Praise the Almighty for Every little thing we have.

  25. petec on

    Tchaik – Celts to witness.

     

     

    So very excited now that Oko Flex and the young number 10 Dembele might be getting a shirt.

     

     

    Relentless Celtic.

     

     

    Is Celtic 8 Motherwell 0 a Fantasy?

     

     

    G’night and God Bless all on CQN.

  31. Dbhoy on

    MIKE IN TORONTO on 23RD FEBRUARY 2019 4:44 PM

     

    I’ve had numerous discussions with other tic fans and family members over the years about the differing outlooks and behaviors of our fans and those in Govan.

     

     

    Normally reports of another episode of them rampaging in some foreign country or other would trigger these chats which would nearly always start with ‘ what the hell is wrong with them ‘ or ‘always causing bother ‘ etc .

     

     

    I think a lot of it stems from the frustrating reality that the empire they revere so much has been on the wane for decades and will never in their lifetime return to it’ dominating glory of the past. This hurts them a lot as so much who they are is vested in a mistaken belief that they are superior than everyone else on the planet . Listen to the words in the songs they sing, sometimes violent, self aggrandizing and subjugating other people as their want. No matter how much they protest in song -Brittainia no longer rules the waves. Straight away they’re coming from an aggrieved and angry position.

     

     

    They know they’re kulture is dying out and the empire they cherish is barely a shadow of itself. This cuts them deep.

     

     

    Behind nearly all violence is hurt. They don’t accept the new norms ( Britain’s new place in the world as significantly smaller in terms of influence than it previously was and as described in the songs they sing in a forlorn hope that it’s not true ) and/or remain ignorant of the fact that no empire can or has lasted forever . This is why they express their grievances of an empire lost often through violence or wanting destruction of other people’s property.

     

     

    They’re hurting and a lot of them don’t have the necessary intellect or remain ignorant of the reasons of their hurt so they turn to violence as a release mechanism.

     

     

    All imo obviously.

     

     

    HH

  33. Jobo Baldie on

    Good morning, friends and Happy Matchday from a dry, bright, calm and very pleasant looking East Kilbride. And today I again have the absolute privilege of getting to see The Champions play.

  35. Malorbhoy on

    Good Morning Cqn, awaiting St Martins Bhoy, and his bride to be, Driving me to and from Paradise Today

  37. David66 on

    Good morning CQN from a hungover, but mild and beautiful Garngad

     

     

    Not been drinking much since Hugmananny, but as usual I overdone it last night. Oh ma heed.

     

     

    A couple of black coffees and I will be brand new.

     

     

    Today I think we will continue our good form and beat the Murders of Murderwell 4-1.

     

     

    HH

     

     

    D :)

  38. Greenpinata on

    TROONCELT on 24TH FEBRUARY 2019 12:29 AM

     

    Back to basics

     

     

    Why not name the poster you refer to?

     

     

    As I have not rèad of anybody who has undermined this site,only gave an opinion not brought this site down

     

    ————–

     

    Could not agree more, ambiguity such as this could actually drive posters away.

     

     

    There are many reasons for less traffic on this blog. My opinion on why that is :-

     

     

    Accessabiliy to the site. Not everyone is happy to disable Java Script. Adverts remain a major issue.

     

    More choice of social media outlets. There must be > 10 Celtic forums ( some with no restrictions on swearing etc )

     

    Lack of direct input from the host. No criticism of Paul 67 intended.

     

    Hierarchy of Posters. Good points made by certain posters being ignored as they aren’t personal acquaintances or in the ” clique”, if you like.

     

    A reluctance of those who were here from the start to accept change. Changing times and changing posters.

     

    Intolerance of diverse opinions.

     

    A lack of humour, humour has an undoubted place, especially nowadays.

     

     

    Imo one of the major strengths of this blog is it’s diversity. Diversity is strength , not weakness.

     

    My aspiration for the blog is to treat and judge all posts equally, regardless of poster and to show tolerance and respect even if we disagree.

     

     

    Anyway, we have a game today. HH and COYBIG.

  41. NorrieM on

    Goooood Morning CQN ?????????

     

     

    Will be interesting to see which team Brendan picks today ?

     

    Does he drop Nir Bitton in to replace Broonie

     

    Drop Calum back in his place, and then Odsonne upfront, drop Ollie or Timo into No.10 slot ?

     

     

    Not guessing this morning to Brendan’s choices

     

     

    Hail Hail

  42. NorrieM on

    On another point

     

    Wonder how the standard of our Amatuer referees will be today

     

    BT sport had a very insightful dig at them yesterday

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