Clearly Brendan Rodgers bought Marvin Compper to the club in January because he felt he needed cover and experience in central defence, most probably for these Champions League qualification games. He has now picked up another injury. Despite plans clearly remaining unfulfilled, we are in a good position to travel to Trondheim this week, but despite confidence ahead of the Rosenborg game, the ghost of Compper spooks me.
Jozo Simunovic is fit, for now, although paying the price for an uncontrolled action. Dedryck Boyata will return to the starting line-up soon, but with less than a year on his contract, I expect the big man’s agent will be busy marking cards elsewhere. Kris Ajer and Jack Hendry have been holding fort, but the job Compper was recruited to do is not being done.
Two years ago we brought in Kolo Toure. The big Ivorian was well past his prime and soon found the rigours of regular football too much, but he brought a calm to the team in the qualifiers, especially in a fraught night in Be’er Sheva.
I know coaches are reluctant to be pushed into making short term signings but this is one time it is advisable.
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DavidO- on DR website, it’s 48 hours not 24 mate
Denayer has been posting pics of lions on his Instagram account just yesterday which is likely to reference Galastasary nickname, the lions. Reports that indicate he wants to go back to Turkey would seem to be true.
DavidO- link i was sent was fae 2015…..but could soon be Another 48 Hours….
Denayer?
Too fat and out of shape for me (or should that be like me). Saw him at Sunderland and he looked awful but if it is Brendan’s signing – Who am I to argue?
https://twitter.com/_TamSelleck/status/1024241858778673153?s=08
Ashley at it again
!!Bada Bing!!
no worries.
new article posted.
The “argument” between SFTB and Mahe made for entertaining reading even if it did go on a bit. The bhoys were civil and didn’t get personal. Both are undoubtedly wholehearted Tims.
The position of central defender in a Celtic side has always been a problem. We are an attacking team and have had the philosophy that if the opposition score 1 or 2, we will score 3 or 4. Our attacking style can tend to leave our defenders exposed. Even King Billy was guilty of the odd horrendous mistake.
We have usually been ok with this approach in domestic football, but when it comes to the top European sides, we get caught out. I could cite dozens of instances where we have lost breakaway goals, but the memories are painful, so I won’t. The hush falling over Celtic Park on such occasions is gut wrenching. Sometimes we recover, and we celebrate another magic European night. Other nights; well, you know the rest.
Does the purchase of a “quality” centre back change this? Not very much, I submit. This is my opinion, not a fact. For me, it’s the Celtic way. We have punched above our weight in Europe most years since the turn of the century, and of course our golden era from ’64 to ’74. We have had major disappointments too. For me, that’s football. It’s part of the thrill of Celtic Park. How are we going to play tonight? We have no God given right to win anything. Look at our erstwhile city rivals and see where that attitude got them.
I could be accused of happy clappiness. So be it.
In the main, our club is run well and these are great times for us.
HH
@GER57 on 31ST JULY 2018 12:06 PM
Based on your quote your position is evidently based on sentimentality which is fine to an extent.
But Celtic is a business and the business is predicated upon having a good team. We should always look to improve the team and any area in which there is a deficiency.
Also, this question that you pose “does the purchase of a “quality” centre back change this?” is problematic, as to what degree do you continue with that line of thought? i.e. If the signing of a CH doesn’t change our position, then does the signing of Edouard change our position? If you contend that it doesn’t, why do it? You can continue to pose the same question in relation to all our transfers.
Some good videos of the Hun riot in the Times.I see they andbSTV are pumping up Rosenborg for tomorrow night.
You can feel the pain.