Champions League sections are never easy so we are as well having one which is unequivocally difficult on paper. Despite finishing second from pot 4 in their group last season (a remarkable achievement), Celtic spent the vast majority of their time in the tournament under pressure. They had possession less than their opponents in all six group games, so although we were successful in the group stage, there should be no doubt as the the size of the challenge.
Conversely, we looked Juventus in the eye, which, in retrospect, could be regarded as over ambitious.
When Martin O’Neill’s Celtic drew Barcelona and Milan in the group section of the Champions League the manager was clearly exasperated at the apparently preposterous task. It was Martin’s last throw in the competition and he was anxious to break into the knockout stage for the first time.
The mood music seems different this time. Neil Lennon has been to the knockout stage already so the pressure to breakthrough is not there. Celtic can take one game at a time without the burden of having to prove themselves in this competition. They are now a part of this league, they might not win it, but they can compete with anyone.
We will be second favourites for each game, which is surely the way we would all prefer it to be. Despite what happened last year, even Barca will expect to comfortably overcome Celtic. Surely we can’t be as organised again?
Don’t bet against it.
STV painted an interest picture of the SFA this morning. The Association declined advice from Uefa to come into line with most of Europe (including England, crucially for many Scottish clubs) and extend the transfer window until the first business day of the week.
Doing so, however, would make a mockery of their suspension of Rangers International’s transfer embargo, which expires on 31 August. To accept Uefa’s advice would draw attention to their oversight in not noticing that August ends on a weekend.
We all know this to be the case, but the Association would rather ignore their mistake than help out member clubs and draw attention to it.
Even Jim Farry checked the calendar.
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those those?
If Benfica offer £6m I’ll drive.
Anyone been to the Fireworks Concert in Edinburgh?
It’s marks the end of the Festival.
I hope these rumours about Tony Watt going out on line are just that…………i.e made-up tosh. There’s a huge talent there that just needs careful nurturing.
I sure hope the kid makes it with Celtic.
PhilQuickNews – I like it!
for lurkers of a certain persuasion
could
/ko͝od/
Verb
1.Used to indicate possibility: “they could be right”.
2.Used in making polite requests: “could I use the phone?”.
3.Used to express the ability to generate indebtedness but not actually being in debt
Last questions for now
After benny mccarthy finishes his coaching experience do we have anyone else lined up to work with the forwards ? Did we ever replace alan thompson with a similar forward minded coach
I know danny mcgrain was promoted to work with the first team and respect his abilities
But we need a specialist forwards coach to accelerate the development of amido balde
Chris sutton ? Is he a viable option for forwards coach ?
“I have players like Van Dijk, Boerrigter, Mouyokolo, Watt and McGeouch who are coming to the fore as well, so for once in a very long time I more or less have a clean bill of health.”
NFL
http://www.celticfc.net/newsstory?item=4516
And for the very very last time bring me pirlo for the champions league group of winners
logical optimist
No problem at all man, re Watt I think there is a homegrown players rule for the champions league squad.
At the game last week I thought he was better than balde although seemed a bit disinterested at times, he’s still a kid at 20 and will come good so I wouldn’t loan him for those reasons.
Philbhoy I, ll co drive sorry not a fan of the big man. Been great for us on occasions but there must be better out there. Hail Hail Hebcelt
hebcelt
I might need to get a bigger car!
The big ghuy is or can be a great shot stopper, but his refusal/inability to come for cross balls is one flaw too many for me.
Don’t know if I agree with midfield/forward type specialists coach type roles.
If at training the advice is this is what you do in response to any given situation, potentially everyone starts playing to the one rhythm/pattern in an almost robotic mode and the individualism of a talented player can be lost to the team. Not all players have the same style or indeed talent. Don’t know if I explained that very well.
Harry Hood
retroceltic
TheOriginalSadiesBhoy
Just catching up. Didn’t realise you were in hospital.
Get well soon!
DENIABHOY
Simple volume makes it 20cm.
It’s nearer eight inches,but I don’t like to brag!
In 18 days time we face the might of AC Milan
at the start of our greatest ever challenge.
Today all our efforts must be focused on playing Dundee Utd.
Alan Stubbs on Soccer am.
Pukki deal done
Paddy Gallagher
I know exactly what you mean.
You could be asking a Lubo type to adopt a defensive roll, in certain circumstances.
Widny work.
Stubbs on soccer am talking about his illness etc..
If Tony Watt has an attitude problem, someone should take him to a lower league match on a wet Tuesday night to show him what happened to some of the previous ” next big thing”
I really hope he can make it for Celtic
long haired yins man
Do we sign Alfie now?
Pukki signed 4 yr deal
Philbhoy – Bring it on!!!!
My mind wandered to a scene at Barrowfield on a wet Monday morning, Mr Stein puts his arm round wee Jinkys shoulder and saying ‘You will be working with our winger coach today’!
Welcome Teemu! :-)
I’m hearing the names have just been drawn out the hat for today’s centre half partnership:
Its Mulgrew and van Dijk today.
That’s puukki signed on for 4 years!
Wonder will he be the last??
Pukki signs for Celtic. 4 years.
Welcome Teemu Pukki. Quality striker, will get us 25/30 goals a season.
It’ll be interesting to see what happens today, and despite having signed a potentially brilliant midfielder we’re waiting on news of ‘that striker’ – whoever he is. Our window slams shut ‘prematurely’ at 23.00 but I reckon Celtic will have the player registered by then, pending his arrival and medical formalities at the beginning of the week.
The rest is just MSM hot air about Fraser Forster.
Pukki signed 4 yr deal £2.4m 12k pw
Ah all done.
EN
I could think of worse partnerships
Heavy on the sarcasm …not without a heavy dose of reality too
Outside celtic park … waiting in a wee queue for champs league tickets
BSR
If that’s it ….what’s your take
TBJ, get mine when you’re there:-)
Still in talks with Kevin doyle,Michael Ciani still a possibility but PL insisting on an initial 1 year loan with view to permanent deal,however Lazio want a sale
£2.4m
Does that include wages …