Three seasons of direct access to the Champions League Group or League stage has isolated us from the anxieties of the qualification rounds. Risks come in categories. There are sides who are far stronger and always progress (such as Arsenal). Scandinavians who are midseason, with a vital fitness advantage, and tiny clubs who get everything right for a season or two in the sun (Malmo), some of whom are also midseason.
In seasons 2012, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 we entered Champions League qualification in the second round. That was bad enough. In 2018, 19 and 20 we entered in the first qualification round. This distorted preseason, denied us money-spinning trips overseas, and brought an unhelpful urgency to squad development.
Getting appropriate preseason games was difficult. Every strong club in Europe was either at a lesser fitness than Celtic, or were midseason and not interested in playing friendlies. There was learning throughout this process, but outcomes were disappointing.
This season starts with a league game against St Mirren on 3 August. By then, we will have played six preseason games, three against strong opposition (Sporting, Newcastle, Ajax). We will have two league games under out belt before the first Champions League playoff round game. There can never be too many, but eight games will move the fitness dial to some degree.
By then, Celtic will hope to have further strengthened the squad. The learning mentioned above will be beneficial. Never underestimate the importance of stability. I mention that to give some context to Newco, who have only one preseason game before they play Panathinaikos in Champions League qualification next week (the Greeks have four games).
There is so much change at Newco right now, ownership of planning and decision-making will still be bedding in. Clearly, the last guys did not leave them much in the way of a structure for the new season.
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New left back looks tidy also.
Feed went down
Now watching portuguese stream
Can’t be sure, but think its Peter Granto commentating
Great ball over the top and Daizen fires one in, good save from the keeperio
Maeda runs on, volley, saved
Great pass by captain. Maeda strike, good save
Got to wonder if Jota was fit, would Daizen get his wish to play as striker
And will that cost us seeing him in the hoops this season
Excellent defending JF
Celtic break and Reo hits the worst ball he will hit all season
Hatate breaks thru the midfield and bnd then blasts a shot off the corner fleg!!
Good to see him back
Nteak from Celtic but Reo over hits it.
Sporting blast over. HT
My CTV stream is back, without the sound – which has been a common thing with my CTV feeds this close season
Anyone else??
Nil all at HT.
Good first half. Nygren looking the part.
Midfield abd defence playing well, delighted for Murray, Rodgers sees something there.
James pkaying well, Maeda a little quiet. Idah has to improve.
I type like a country Garda, all thumbs, mea culpa.
That first half, not bad at all. I like the new forward defence-splitting passes. Nygren looks like he can create chances. Idah should really have scored.
The invisible man, even approaching 70 years old is some player. Show em yer medals Jamesie!😁
Good first half. They had chances , we had better chances and we played crisper football. Nygren is gonna be a very important player. Very clever , takes the ball well, drives forward , link up and gets into scoring positions. Works hard too. Likey a lotty.
Tierney been quiet , staying out of Maedas way. Maeda will be glad he doesn’t always need to back track to help Taylor.
Mention to big Murray at the back. Not tested defensively but his passing has been accurate and quick.
HT 0:0
Celtic ahead on chances, should have opened the scoring, and were the dominant side. Players look sharp in the first more serious friendly.
SS- A pal was working on a refurbishment of the box next to No7,thinks it was a box used for TV stuff
Good , entertaining game wuth chances for both teams . Impressed with Nygren , looks good and has a bit of bite . Our passing game much improved from the Estrela game . Dane Murray showing up well too .
Madras Rua 8.23
I drink like one. 🙄
virtual windfall draw, they never miss an opportunity to skim pff the top do they
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Why would having a virtual windfall draw bother anyone? There’s no obligation to buy…😁
HH
Back to Basics – Glass Half Full @ 6:54pm, 7:26 pm,
Great response to TBB – good to see his comment.
Yes, of course recruitment is a real challenge, especially losing our HVP regularly.
We would love a real match changer, match and winner, strong CH, physical MF but it is so tough, finding players with the technical expertise, physicality and pace costs the earth.
For me our strategy is working and we will find a few diamonds in the rough.
KT, Jota, Nygren etc are too quality players.
Hail Hail
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c17w8kl152vt#player
shels
Madra ffs 🙄
Pen Celtic
Kenny taken out
oh hahate
Power wins it!!
Penalty, Celtic
Reo!!!
Hatate 2 goals in 2 games
Pen hoops. Great break by captain. Onto nygren, to Forrest , cross and Kenny sharp at front post.
Decent strike but keeper saves and ball bounces in off him
Hatate pen scores with a tad fortune.
Goal, barely !
Handsome Hatate minus the gumshield 1:0
Celtic TV quality poorer than the Lumier brothers first effort 🫤
Is Idah for Kenny our only substitute so far?