Congratulations to Brendan and the players, last night’s results makes it virtually certain we will qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League. This tournament will give us peer-level competition into next year, Uefa coefficient points and could see income hit (drumroll) NINE figures for the first time.
While the wider context of last night was positive, the performance in Paris was tactically abject. In successive seasons we have conceded seven goals away to the top seed in our Champions League group. The total of 12 conceded to PSG this season contributed to them achieving a new record of all-time top scorers in a group stage, despite having only played five games.
I love the football we are watching under Brendan as much as you, but we are singularly unprepared to face opponents who perform at a higher level than us. This issue has nothing to do with our lowly league, or the calibre of players we are able to recruit, or even their endeavours during the game, it is about tactical choices.
Last week I watched Sweden resist Italy for 90 minutes at the San Siro. Sweden were awful, they couldn’t string two passes together. It was an exercise of attack v defence, but whenever the Italians turned one man in a yellow jersey, another two would descend upon him. There was no space inside the box, no overload of unmarked strikers fighting each other to latch onto a loose ball.
The contrast to the acres of space we allowed PSG last night is stark. While this is a great PSG team, one who have a good chance of going all the way in the tournament, this result is exceptional, even for them. No one in French football has conceded as many as seven to them this season, nor did a poor Anderlecht side.
The reason for this is not that the weaker French sides are all better than Celtic, it’s that they pack their penalty box, as we used to do, when facing top teams in the Champions League.
Think back to how Neil Lennon’s team pulled narrow at the back to deny Barcelona, with Lustig, Ambrose, K Wilson and Matthews in defence. Or how Gordon Strachan’s teams twice kept Milan, out for 90 minutes, with defences of M Wilson McManus, O’Dea, Naylor at home, and Caldwell, Pressley, McManus and O’Dea at the San Siro.
None of the defenders Strachan used would get into this Celtic team, nor would Efe, Kelvin or Adam Matthews. The key difference between the respective outcomes is not personnel, but tactics.
I loved the confident way we played for the opening 8 minutes but I also knew what we were in for as soon as PSG started making passes. We are, by a magnitude, not good enough to take the game to PSG in this manner. They found it very easy to carve us open and score, and as soon as the goals started raining in, that early confidence evaporated.
Instead, we played most of the match looking unsure and exposed. Any development opportunities had to be crammed into an 8-minute period, after that, it was just brutal. It wasn’t even down to poor individual performances. In fact, several players did very well, they were just tactically abandoned.
After Gordon Strachan took Cafu, Maldini, Gattuso, Seedorf, Pirlo, Kaka, Inzaghi & Co. all the way, Milan went on to beat Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and Liverpool in the final. Don’t pretend this PSG team are significantly better than that Milan team, because it is just not true (I could argue the opposite). Nor are they better than the Barcelona team Neil Lennon beat 2-1 and lost by the same score.
The key difference between now and then, is that Gordon remained haunted by his first dreadful result as Celtic manager, as was Neil, who was schooled 4-0 by Utrecht in his first season qualifiers, whereas Brendan’s equally dreadful debut result did not impose the same need to learn a lesson.
There is beauty in defending, so let’s learn to do it well.
FRIDAY EVENING ON CQN…
Friday night’s @CQNMagazine Podcast
A CELTIC STATE OF MIND
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— Paul John Dykes (@PaulDykes) November 23, 2017
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oh and McInnes for sevco – nooooo
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42099615
G67- i thought he was older, Gordon been suspect for a few this season IMO
30 million bhoys, not bad but i wish we could defend and pass a bit better.
Tim H- the thing that is worse for me, is giving the ball away when under no pressure, first goal last night for example….
Recently watched an Italian tv thing re the history of the European Cup / Champions League . Winners and Runners up .
I was surprised that Scotland were 7th in the League table — 1 winner / 1 runner up –
Top 4 –
Spain / Italy / England / Germany .
Real Madrid top dogs – 12 victories / 3 runners up..
Statistics that show that European competition has nearly always been for the big boys with more money than most.
Any news on Big Micks injury???
H.H
I keep reading on here about how scheitd the EPL is, and yet Chelski, Man City and Tottenham have all qualified for the last 16, the latter ahead of the galacticos. Manure and Liverpool are almost there, in fact it would be sensational if they didnae make it and home ties against the trumpets mentors teams should be see them through.
Their national side is heading for Russia next summer and their younger teams are champions in their various age groups.
Meanwhile up in the land that sheltered the knights templars their national sides in all age groups are scheitd as are their clubs in Europe. It has often been mentioned on here that fix the refs we fix our game. Naw fix the secret societies that are holding the country back and the nation including the game will Progrès.
We have a lot of good young players on the horizon and not just at Lennoxtown, however, they need direction and that is sadly missing in the ludge hunden. The FA have St George’s Park, what do Scotland have. In an effort to tae once again save the huns there is a desperate attempt tae give up on the national stadium, incidentally I’ve never liked it no even when it was almost our second home. We were the club they all looked to when the decision to go professional arose and we will be the club that drags this country out of its 17 century mentality.
Hi Paul67,
Interesting article, though I disagree with most of it.
Where as I’m not disputing the fact that we could have set up differently in an effort to minimise PSG’s scoring opportunities and final goal tally. I am disputing the fact that we were tactically abject.
Celtic, to achieve what Brendan Rogers wants, needs to play a certain way. The players did not manage either technically or tactically to put their game plan into effect.
That has to improve drastically.
As you pointed out yesterday, last evening’s match was a dead rubber. Brendan Rogers might have found some value in ascertaining how well his players would manage “parking the bus” against PSG.
Yet I’m sure he found highlighting the flaws in his team, playing against the best in the World on big occasion much more valuable.
We were not good enough. I’m not going to pick out individuals though, suffice to say, I’m very impressed these days how our academy bhoys equipment themselves at the top level.
PSG are an exceptional Team, they are to France what we are to Scotland.
If they do it in the Champions League, they could argue they’re the best ever.
All Brendan can achieve is making his team the best Celtic side ever, it’s a tough ask but he’s going the right way about it.
IMHO of course…
Hail Hail
BADA BING
The first goal was a snapshot of why we fail against the big teams,
Browns pass was a decent idea but not played first time or early enough.
He is our defensive mid so once they are behind him there is only our defense .With no designated leader to assign responsibility they freeze and opponent has time and space to hit pass.
Lustig was not close enough to Neymar so left space to attack.
Compare how their guy dealt with Dembele one on one in first?
Gordon was also weak.
The defense and Brown were at fault but the system should be better set up to cover as mistakes happen.
Playing two guys in midfield who can’t tackle was an error.
Depressed
Almost certainly but nothing to do with Celtic
At. Universal Credit meeting and I’m thinking about changing my career path
BT- unfortunately guys with a good heart like yourself, have to manage this crap, chin up HH
I’m extremely disappointed with the team after last night. You can forgive one mess like that but to happen twice is not acceptable.
Rodgers needs to do something pronto to sort of that type of performance in future. We showed in the opening 10 minutes that we are capable. I personally don’t think we were or would ever get anything out of that game but you have to compete and not look like an amateur team.
You either press hard for 90 minutes or you contain and have 10 men behind the ball. We did neither. When we pressed with confidence we won the ball back and created changes. Once they scored the heads and confidence completely went and players didn’t do their jobs, or the manager didn’t do his, it’s as simple as. We don’t seem capable of defending like we have in the past, we can’t seem to frustrate teams, I don’t know if that’s coaching or personnel. My guess would be it’s mainly due to it being in complete contrast with how we set up on a week to week basis, but on that assumption we should then be pressing hard for 90 minutes (or for as long as the legs hold out).
PSG (and Barcelona in the past) are well renowned for their passing ability but they both have one thing in common and that is their movement off the ball is better than anyone on the planet, they both are brave and make room for passes but possibly more importantly they doggedly press for the entire game. We might never have as good players but there’s no reason why we can’t press just as well.
At the least it would make playing “worldy” balls more difficult, at best you win the ball back in dangerous areas, dent the opposition’s confidence and stop you from being passengers in a game. Doing it this way you may well get opened up from time to time but at least you’ll make a fight of it.
What we did last night was give them the game on a plate and I’m sorry to say but it was embarrassing to watch. We let them absolutely pump us… twice.
Like I said, I’d expect us to lose both games, but the manner in which we did them is 100% not acceptable for a Celtic team or management and no amount of glory or record in domestic football excuses it.
Paul67
Agree with much of your leader!
Where I see an obvious way to close the gap (sorry sevco ..) would involve challenging our players to move the ball more quickly in domestic competitions.
I sense that the comfort of the extra touch and taking time ( afforeded in SPLgames) to complete a pass induces lethargy in the team at times. The knowledge that any stray pass is unlikely to be catastrophic in domestic games also creates a culture of ‘ we can win this at 80%’ in the team. It’s perfectly natural that will happen to teams always in control of games.
However, it’s up to the management to stamp it out quickly and demand the tempo and movement is maintained for 95 mins in every game we play.
Last night the number of opportunities to release the ball first time, or shoot first time was fairly high. We didn’t or couldn’t or wouldn’t … and lack of practice at that type of game is the issue. We can create that environment in every game we play ( yes i know about bumpy pitches and long grass etc., etc )
Its also clear that a few of our bhoys cannot achieve that standard of play – it will take time to draft them in (maybe already in books being nurtured …hope so)
I agree with the ‘it is what it is’ chat to an extent. I also agree we don’t learn by just parking the bus. There must be a sweet spot between both systems. We need to find it PDQ!
Will be interesting how Epl teams cope with PSG In latter rounds..
Whatever happens, Brendan must demand quicker movement of the ball in ALL games and a cut out the absolute roastings as he heads into his third season in charge. I’m sure he will get the backing required and looking forward to how he and Chris handle the challenge.
2centsworth CSC
BLANTYRETIM IS PRAYING FOR THE KNOX FAMILY on 23RD NOVEMBER 2017 3:11 PM
Depressed
Almost certainly but nothing to do with Celtic
At. Universal Credit meeting and I’m thinking about changing my career path
………………………
Whats happened mate ?
Your one of the best in what you do…are you getting messed about ?
HH
BT
Heid up buddy – imagine what life would be like for the people you support if you ( and others like you) werent in those rooms asking tough questions?
You have my utmost repsect!
HH
Paul67
I don’t know if you read yo
Was it Mourinho said a couple of years back when setting up his team to play Barca, that he wasn’t worried how much possession Barca had or how long they held on to the ball. When they had the ball he had his defensive shield set up so he wan’t worried,
The real worry was when his team had the ball & lost possession in a dangerous area.
We are good at holding possession in Scotland coz most teams don’t press us & allow us to stroke it around.
Unfortunately when we come up against top teams, the pressure leads to stray passes & turnovers and it’s killing us.
Anyways I’m sick of talking about last night & PSG,.
Hopefully the Bhoys will be galvanized by all the criticism and come out with all guns blazing against the Mothers.
Certainly any feelings of complacency should have been well buried now..
Paul67
I don’t know if you read your twitter time last night but I was having the same discussion with someone.
Brendan’s aproach is admirable but disappointingly he doesn’t seem able to adapt. If he won’t compromise we’ll never get to the last 16
Time line
Happy thanksgiving to all our stateside Tims
Setting aside the pain there are some things to reflect on from last night. We did quite well going forward and had some decent forward movement with good passing. We only got one goal from it. Mentally Dembelle, Ncham, Brown and Forrest looked like they could handle the pressure. sadly others didn’t. Rogic was posted missing and contributed nothing. Eboue when he cam eon was the opposite. Confident, hard and ready to go. Tierney had a mad fluff at the goal line which resulted in the ball going for a corner. That is something he would never do in the SPL.
It’s 11 v 11 and we didn’t look less fit. We failed some basics in terms of defending like following runners, clearing lines and blocking to prevent being passed easily. Gordon at the first goal was poor. It was a soft shot near his side which he could and should have dealt with. He is mentally fragile at this level. He only started making saves when we were well beaten.
However, for me it’s about coaching and bringing in a defensive coach who can instill those defensive qualities and mentality as a foil for Bredan’s focus on possession and attack.
Last night’s opposing manager is a good example. In his last job he spent ages thinking defence against Barca and Madrid and was the closest in that league to effectively competing from a smaller budget.
At one point we had 5 players in one half of the 18 yard box and none in the other. PSG had 4 in the ‘other’ bit. That’s not a gap in class or ability that’s a gap in organisation and defending properly.
I do believe we are making progress. We should reach EL and play after xmas. That IS progress. The forward play IS making progress and we are creating opportunity and chances going forward.
We now need to work on the defending. Perhaps we should pay a ‘big league’ team not in the CL to play against us in training before these games to build our approach.
HH
SALTIRES EN SEVILLA on 23RD NOVEMBER 2017 3:19 PM
Paul67
I agree with the ‘it is what it is’ chat to an extent. I also agree we don’t learn by just parking the bus.
*ok but would you do a Dukla Prague a week on Tuesday.
A Happy Thanksgiving from myself, not just to USA readers but to every Tim.
Didn’t Ed the game yesterday. Lucky you says someone.
Running out to join my beautiful grand children.
Bring on Sunday.
Saltires- agree mostly mate, we know parking the bus is not the Celtic Way, but i think if we done it a couple of times, we would improve as a defensive unit, and guys who are not natural defenders, would become better all round players.Would help guys fill in better, if we get red cards, injuries, just my opinion.Would be interesting if we had a poll on who would like to see us park the bus, when playing the super powers? HH
SEE.
Lesson. Don’t post without glasses.
TT
Good question buddy :-)
I’m glad it’s not my call and expect Brendan will remain true to his philosophy.
If I were king (not that one obviously..) I’d sit tight and see how they approach the game.
Make decisions from there, knowing they have to open up at some point and try to score 3 goals.
I still have the chills from Partizan game…shudder ;-)
BB
As above –
Jock said he hated the Dukla Prague scenario and would never do it again ( cannot remember if he stuck to that)
I woukd open with a Double Decker v Anderlecht but seek to catch them out whenever possible by having players set to break at pace
We don’t need to chAse anything on this occasion.
HH
On the positive side, depending on your point of view, performances and results like last night will keep any EPL teams looking for a new manager well away from Brendan.
I’m more than happy to stick with Brendan regardless of how we perform in Europe, I guess thats the price we have to pay for domestic domination.
turkey bhoy/denia bhoy nail on head. hh.
BLANTYRE TIM
Universal Credit.
London based Welfare Rights pal has long said that it is the biggest clusterfudge He’s ever seen and that”s before taking the Wowee bad IT shambles into consideration..
I haven´t been able to read the blog never mind all the comments after last night, only just literally watched the goals, So I´m sorry if I am repeating anything. That was not a bad performance, that is a scandalous result. I saw the result in a paper this morning, sounded like a real gubbing…and it must have been to watch it as it happened. However, when I saw that we scored first and took the lead against those boys in their stadium then the pain eases a bit. Broony´s blunder changed the tune and Neymar is a great player. They were flying but goals 3 and 4 had a bit of offside about them, Dembele had a chance to get another goal and then they kept at it with 5 and 6 going in. Then Alves…You really have to hand it to Alves, the best right back since Carlos Alberto and so competitive. This PSG side is pretty galactical . Sure it hurts but we were part of the show and that is in the Celtic song. Or would you rather the Barca Juventus 0 0 draw. The Celtic support should cherish going 1 up in the Parc de prince. We are not there yet but I know the Celtic support is going to enjoy the journey,
P 67
Have to reluctantly agree with your take on last night. Lennon without the quality imo took us further so maybe BR needs to take a view. Principles are fine but getting hosed regularly in Europe, does nobody , except our bank manager, any good. Maybe a plan b needed.
Anyway onwards and upwards, bring on Sunday when I think we will be right up for it.
HH
I reckon Anderlecht will come out looking for a quick, early goal to rattle us.
Hopefully we will get the early one.
It is a well known fact that you can teach a street fighter to box but a boxer will never learn the proper art of street fighting….
I think it is good that Brendan let’s his team get a lamping….keeps them thinking…and hungry for the more important game against the Steelers…
Steep learning curves are the best way forward….bring it on….and tuck that chin in….
Smiley knuckles thing …
Braw.
Dont always agree with Paul67 but I do on this occasion . There are a few teams who we just cant live with and PSG is one of them . When we play away to these teams we have to do what Neil Lennon did to Barca at Celtic Park that glourious night a few years ago. Defend as if your life depended on it . Sure it aint pretty but who gives a s@@t , we are playing financially doped teams . We need to get real. Results like this must dent our players confidence, must hurt the Celtic brand ( never thought I would say that sorta thing !) We all want Celtic to be seen as A “big” team in Europe, these humpings must harm us. I love what Brendan is doing at the club BUT in these type of games against the so called “dream teams ” it should be about damage limitation, dont massage their ego
Tim Krul went on a free from Newcastle this season, to my mind a superior goalie to either De Vries or Craig Gordon. By my reckoning big Forrester would have saved 3/4 of those goals last night. There’s a reason why Man U and Chelsea have good goals against stats and Liverpool don’t.
Another thing—I think Celtic keep getting grouped with the big fish because these players want to play in the atmosphere of Celtic Park.
Qatar sugar daddy or bizarre sugar paddy? It is what it is.
I’m tired of Celtic being groped by the big fish