I’ve been trying to interpret the Champions League group all evening. It’s an exciting draw. The world’s biggest box office team will come to Glasgow, a chance for us to marvel at, and test ourselves against, Messi, Iniesta, Xavi and the rest. We also have a sporting chance of finishing second or third, either of which would be acceptable.
For me most of this analysis is irrelevant for now. The two most important games are the first, Benfica, and the last Spartak Moscow, both at home, so for now, all that really matters is the 90 minutes at Celtic Park against Benfica on 19 September. Beat Benfica and you go to Moscow in the following game with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Can we beat Benfica at Celtic Park? Benfica have lost all three games they have played at Celtic Park, twice in recent Champions League history, but they are not a pot two team and we are not a pot four team for nothing. They have played only two league games this season and did not benefit from being tested by a Champions League qualifying competition.
In short, playing Benfica in the first game, when we will have played twice as many competitive games as they have, is ideal. We will be ready for them.
Tomorrow is a big day. Who was it said ‘perfect day to bury bad news’? While some of us are busy trying to keep a server online as transfer speculation reaches its annual crescendo, what chance last year’s accounts will be released?
If they are (and I have no information on this), you can count on some very bad news. Losses will be frightening, which sheds some light on some of the earthy tones from Neil Lennon today on just how big a result the win over Helsingborgs was.
We needed that win. We needed Messi and his pals to help us sell 60,000 ticket packages, and to prompt Celtic fans to go out and buy some of the many thousands of season tickets still available.
Let me leave you with a word that came out from the Spartak camp tonight. Andrey Tikhonov, Spartak player until he became a coach at the club last year, said, “Barcelona are favourites from the group. We and Benfica will be fighting for second place.
“Celtic are outsiders. The Champions League competition is about very good technical football. It has nothing to do with running after the ball that somebody kicked forward.”
Beat these clowns, Celtic.
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BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS
10:56 on 31 August, 2012
KEV 1051
Off out,it’s opening time and thus time for my medication.
You obviously either forgot yours,or started on mine early doors.
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I didny mean to offend,
Can we still be pals ?
I will if you will !!!
God Bless
Hail Hail
jude2005 is Neil Lennon \o/
11:07 on
31 August, 2012
EKBOUY
Go wash ur mouth out. How dare you slagg Jon D???
I’m sure you’ll get your client a move somewhere :}
Celtic would not match the wages already offered allegedly.
Sydney chairman Scott Barlow told Football Federation Australia: “This is huge for Sydney FC, huge for the A-League and huge for Australian football.
“We feel honoured that Alessandro has decided to play for Sydney FC and we share his excitement that a move to Sydney FC will create a lasting legacy for football in this country.
“I want to thank Tony Pignata and Lou Sticca for the outstanding work over the last few days in progressing discussions with Alessandro and look forward to Tony finalising the contract in Italy over the coming days.”
Kev
You’re prepared to highlight a poor performance by Mulgrew (Ibrox) yet choose to ignore an excellent performance (Killie).
Regardless of the opposition you continue to speak in disparaging terms about one of our best and most consistent performers throughout last season.
Strange that…..
Spartak Moscow (from Wikipedia):
Historically the club was a part of the Spartak Moscow sports society. Other teams in the society include ice hockey club HC Spartak Moscow. Currently, the club is not connected with Spartak Moscow sports society and is an independent privately owned organisation. They are nicknamed “Meat” (Russian: “мясо”, “myaso”).
Meat – FFS????? Let’s hope we’ll be downing a few Spartak burgers covered in Danish Blue cheese with side orders of cucumber relish and pommes frites – after BOTH games!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGGtU3aTiJY&feature=player_embedded
Thai Tims- Hula Hoops in the Champions League
Brilliant !!!!
Hail Hail
Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo
11:03 on 31 August, 2012
What about a Celtic spokesperson speaking about the open corruption within the SFA and the SNP ???
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Their too busy getting the pea-shooter oot for Keevins. imo
Hail Hail
Awe Naw
Maybe fat ally will have some idea how the members of the panel felt after his previous comments.
KevJungle
a total disgrace that they participated and continue to participate in this charade by saying nothing.
You are either with us or against is.
You are either part of the problem or the solution.
Looks like part of the problem from my angle.
HH
HT
who gives a F ?
Our custodians are part of the problem.
Seems to be a very big part
HAil Hail
Darren huckerby spotted at Glasgow airport
Re the prodigal Charlie Mulgrew and his return to Paradise; think AT might have had a wee bit to do with that particular happening…………..
Ten Thirty never did too bad on his return either……
Regards & Hail Hail
TBM
Georgi Kinkladze in Greggs on Rutherglen Main Street. Heading over to the bus stop at the Vogue to get a 90 bus up to CP
hamiltontim
11:15 on 31 August, 2012
Kev
You’re prepared to highlight a poor performance by Mulgrew (Ibrox) yet choose to ignore an excellent performance (Killie).
Regardless of the opposition you continue to speak in disparaging terms about one of our best and most consistent performers throughout last season.
Strange that…..
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If your hinting at something sinister well, yer wrong.
What I think we’ve got here is a – generation gap issue.
Without intending to cause any offence – you seem to be a young dude.
Where as, I’m as old as the hills.
Maybe the players that I have seen at CH for the hoops – differ from CM level.
It could be as simple as that. But then again, it might be something else ?
Whatever it is – I hope we can still be pals ?
Charm Offensive – CSC
KevJungle – Murdo..10 men Championees..1979
‘Maybe the players that I have seen at CH for the hoops – differ from CM level.’
You said Andy Webster was the the best CH in Scotland. lol!!!
Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo
11:20 on 31 August, 2012
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How dare you !!!
Are you a hun ? :0)
No Wool Over The Eye’s – CSC
AS we look ahead to Celtic’s involvement in the UEFA Champions League, club football’s premier competition, Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell today thanked supporters for their commitment to the club and explained the club’s announcement on UEFA Champions League pricing.
The Chief Executive said: “Wednesday night demonstrated all that was great about Celtic and our supporters – a night of entertainment, celebration and atmosphere difficult to match anywhere in world football.
“It´s nights like this which we now look forward to in the UEFA Champions League, nights where Celtic Park comes alive like no other venue. Our supporters were absolutely magnificent on Wednesday and the world once again saw exactly what Celtic brings to football.
“Neil, his management team and our players have done brilliantly to qualify for the Champions League and we now look ahead to the group stages where we will be welcoming some of football’s greatest stars to Glasgow.
“As the SPL said yesterday, our achievement is a welcome boost for the entire game in Scotland and shows that we can still play our part at football’s top table and compete with Europe’s elite.
“While it has been a difficult time in Scottish football, we have been strong and focused and, of course, we have been backed brilliantly by our fans.
“We realise that there has been much uncertainty this season. However, thousands of fans have stayed with the club by taking their season books at Celtic Park. We wanted to thank our season book holders for the loyalty and support they have shown the club and we are pleased to have done this by significantly reducing our Champions League ticket prices.
“We are sure the three-match package represents great value and we look forward to welcoming season book holders and many other fans to enjoy the great footballing occasions which we have in store over the coming months.
“We thank all our fans sincerely for the support which they continue to give to Celtic.”
ASonOfDan
11:27 on 31 August, 2012
You said Andy Webster was the the best CH in Scotland. lol!!!
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If you think there’s sumdy better
feel free to point him out.
Went to the last game in Moscow, only 30 of us travelled independtly, great reception from the Spartak fans, spent an hour and a half having our pics taken with the Spartak fans after the game.
Spartak is the working class club and have more in common with Celtic than the other Moscow clubs such as Dinamo
So I wouldnt let some clown put you off the club as a whole
Transfer rumour – Huns to make last-minute swoop to sign Julian Assange now that McGregor’s gone…
Gerry Butler has scoffed at Spartak’s chances;
‘Sparta hero already dismisses Moscow.’
Interetsing to see Sky linking Us with Marvin Ogunjimi. I always thought he would be a good signing for the Club, but thought that he might cost a bit much. 6’1” – not a real target man striker, but a good goalscorer. think he is on loan at Standaard Liege – and not actually their player. Plays in a very strong Belgian national squad.
Del Piero signs for Sydney!!
Del Piero to Sydney FC not quite cut and dried.
His brother issued a statement about 30 mins ago stating that nothing has been decided yet.
HH!!
Kevjungle
A generation issue along with a strong adherence to a rigid belief system and the cultivation of a chip on each shoulder while nurturing defiance by encouraging an unfair sporting environment. Failure in adhering to these axioms brings out the witch burners
No I am not a hun but many that exhibit the above are whether they support Celtic or not ARE
HAil HAil
Awe Naw
As you say they are the custodians of a football club, not politicians.
What exactly would you expect them to do?
Kev
Nothing sinister, although I do think you’re posts are often designed to attract attention rather than being objective and considered.
That’s just an opinion and not a cause for falling out.
I’m well old enough to remember our players from the late 70’s onward. We don’t have the talent in many positions nowadays that we’ve had in the past. I just find it strange that you would highlight one of last season’s best players rather than a player who may be more deserving of criticism.
Ps I’m not saying that there is one who is more deserving only that I find your choice bizarre.
Charlie mulgrew
KevJungle – Murdo..10 men Championees..1979
“If you think there’s sumdy better feel free to point him out.”
Kirk Broadfoot.
Kayal33
Nice one, he’d be a great signing. Imagine him linking up with huckerby, we’d probably win the SPL
The lump of wood in my garden is a better CH than Andy Webster.
Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo
11:33 on 31 August, 2012
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He, He :0)
Hail Hail
KevJungle – Murdo..10 men Championees..1979
11:29 on
31 August, 2012
Charlie Mulgrew
Kelvin Wilson
Thomas Rogna
there’s three to start with
Bazza67 (11:30).
Thanks for that update Bazza! Can’t get the heid around this “meat” nickname though. Why?????
Talking of great defenders, remember Tebily’s first game when he had shearer in his back pocket.
Kev
Mulgrew, Rogne and Wilson are all better centre halfs than Webster.
Jings Paul McGougan was a better player than that dumplin’ :-)
Mark hately saying … Still having naismith macgregor and Whittaker somehow on books is like signing a new player
Poland forward Pawel Brozek, who had a disappointing loan spell at Celtic last season, is to join Spanish second-tier side Recreativo Huelva subject to a medical.”
I have notice how celtic players get better with every year that passes since they last played for us….