Surprised? Well, yes. This was a no-contest early-on in Maribor last week. Even though Celtic didn’t come home with the win, the chances, balance of possession and play, were well in their favour. A defeat last night was never out of the question, but it was the nature of the defeat that was most concerning. We were second best in defence, midfield and attack.
Pre-match, Ronny told us he expected Maribor to sit in and counter-attack. They didn’t, forcing Celtic into disarray. We were fortunate to go in level at halftime; I was screaming out for a tactical change from 20 minutes in.
Kris Commons proved his value. From the moment he arrived, we had an out-ball for the first time in the night, but it was not enough.
Celtic tried to qualify for the Champions League without a target man, or a striker able to play the kind of football Ronny Deila requires to play his kind of football. Stokes, Griffiths, Pukki and Balde are not an appropriate Champions League strike force, by some distance.
We have plenty of midfielders who are happy to pass and run but no one with the composure to hold the ball. Brown, Forrest and Tonev were all missing, but none will occupy the holding roles given to Kayal and Mulgrew last night. Or to Wanyama two years ago.
The defensive collapse since last season is unfathomable. Virgil van Dijk was clearly a class above, whether in defence or attack, and Mikal Lustig was also assured – it is perhaps no coincidence that we lost the goal moments after he was replaced, but Efe Ambrose and Emilio Izaguirre have returned from the World Cup in alarmingly poor form.
This is where we are. We knew this at the end of last season, perhaps Neil Lennon did too. Ronny Deila has a significant rebuilding job on his hands.
Will we make a significant moves forward this week? This season? The Europa League isn’t the cash-cow of the premier tournament, and it carries none of the glamour, but it is a competition we need to be ready for. Perhaps more importantly, qualification planning for next season’s Champions League starts now.
[calameo code=000390171586f6fbaa2ba lang=en page=122 hidelinks=1 width=100% height=500]
1,665 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- ...
- 44
- »
TinyTim
I dont think its really inadequate investment, thats the level of player we can attract! while we are bartering over this scepovic feller for 2.5/3m (if that deal is still ongoing after last night) Di maria just signed for 60 odd million quid, nearly our turnover in a year on one player. Di marias signing on fee probably exceeds that transfer alone.
The level of player we have simply isn’t good enough, or good enough for what a typical Celtic fan expects or has come to expect, which i think is a tad delusional.
We can only scour the poorer leagues for ‘Talent’ and we have uncovered good players and bad ones.
Why would the club gamble on spending lots of money before the CL and still not have it guaranteed? I can see why we operate that way, could easily spend 20 million and go out like that last night. Spending doesn’t guarantee success.
Davidopoulos
09:35 on
27 August, 2014
I think the article was sensationalist and frankly unnecessary and one of many that have appeared on the BBC website over time that very much appear to be anti-cyclist.
bamboo
09:56 on 27 August, 2014
ABSOLUTELY SPOT ON…….
Lustigg was injured and that is why he came off. They waited to see if he could run it off but he obviously couldn’t.
What was it in Stoke’s 17 European goalless run mad Ronny think that he was the 1 man striking solution last night?
weeminger
10:03 on 27 August, 2014
Davidopoulos
09:35 on
27 August, 2014
I think the article was sensationalist and frankly unnecessary and one of many that have appeared on the BBC website over time that very much appear to be anti-cyclist.
——————————–
Aye, BBC is a shadow of its former shadowy self.
You won’t change my irrational views though. Cyclists and spiders – down with them I say.
bamboo
09:56 on
27 August, 2014
In a game like that every little advantage must be utilised.
No Green Brigade was a shot in our own foot.
Their constant organised singing and chanting would have helped drown out the negative moaning groaning boo-bhoys.
The crowd only really came to full life after a few Maribor nutters started fighting.
There was 50% less atmosphere without the GB.
———————————————————————————————————————
My understanding is that the sods decided to boycott us.
Their decision.
You`ll correct me if I`m wrong.
Paul67,
To describe this tie as a “no-contest” at any stage is viewing the world through green-tinted glasses in my opinion.
We were decent in the away leg, and probably should have won.
But at no point was it a “no-contest”.
I think we all need to be very very honest about where we are as a team at the moment, which is probably mid-level EL material. Using terms like “no-contest” suggests what subsequently happened was something like a freak result, or an Act of God.
It wasn’t. I knew at half-time we wouldn’t score and I just hoped we could hold on for 0-0.
Celtic will do well to get double their outlay back for VVD….
Best of a really bad bunch of defenders if we are objective about this.
Positionally very poor at top level…….
Dreadful in last year’s Champions League campaign….progressed to about average in this year’s qualifiers.
If Virgil is the prime asset then Lawell and his strategy is fecked.
Should be an interesting AGM in October….
Never mind Peter…..you’ve always got Resolution 12 and the DeadyHuns to wisecrack on and try to deflect,ey?
Don’t think it will work this time though.
Go now……on to that club in an unknown universe who will be happy to have you in your wildest dreams pal……
Ronny Deila needs backing by us, the supporters, and the Celtic board.
However, I must say I’m extremely concerned whether, even if he receives this backing, that he’s up to the job.
His formations, team selections and tactics are truly baffling at times.
With nigh on the same squad as last season his first task was to take us to the CL.
It remains to be seen whether he has the ability to get over such a significant failure.
67Heaven … I am Neil Lennon ….The angels are with Wee Oscar in Heaven.. Ibrox belongs to the creditors
09:54 on
27 August, 2014
Beware the trolls….!!
>>>>
Trolls couldn’t put into words the anger I/we feel right now at the board and management team. They are a disgrace to the hoops. SAMMI. Imagine letting Sammi go. Tailor made for him as the outball last night. Ronny, take of your clown shoes now.
There is a different slant to last night Motherwell Aberdeen St.Johnstone and Celtic started this season in Europe.All but Celtic have been knocked out and we are only still in Europe due to the error by Legia Warsaw that tells me a large part problem is Scottish football which in general is poor.We can blame lots of other things but as long as we are the big fish in the small pond we will struggle to bring in top players and top managers and we will struggle in Europe.H.H.
ernie lynch
09:46 on 27 August, 2014
The board want sevco in the league because it will help sell season books.
So we’ll limp along this season on as restricted a budget as possible under a compliant management team.
It’s a bit rubbish when you think about it.
_______________________________________________________
I’m not buying that. Why would this board of all boards want competition when they can coin it in without any? How much more income does sevco actually bring to the table? Very little I would bet in the grand scheme of things. We are (Kind of) guaranteed European football every year. Guaranteed the league and a decent shot at the cups.
If you owned a shop and you have a rival shop that went out of business resulting in you having more income wouldn’t you be a little bit pissed off if that defunct shop changed it’s name and came back?
Could someone on here please give the blog the name of the person to fill Peter Lawwel’s position. Please give that person’s track record. Salary he/she will accept and their remit of this position.
Reading this blog my understanding is that Lawwel’s salary is £1million per annum . Plus the much heralded bonus. He also signs players and foists them on the manger. Some of his signings have been successful others have not. I have not calculated the profit/loss on Lawwel’s signings. I am requesting ONE name, not a list. I am sure someone will be able to impart this knowledge to the Celtic supporters.
My view is Dermot Desmond calls the shots. I could be wrong, again, I would welcome information regarding my view. Has anyone written to Peter Lawwel and requested a face to face meeting with your concerns?
Will Lawwell forgo his bonus,and put it towards the transfers pot.?
What really gets to me big time is this.
The great Celtic Football Club, past winners of the European Cup, one of the biggest fanbases in world football etc etc, have fallen tamely out of the biggest tournament, along with a list of no mark clubs.
macjay1 for Neil Lennon
10:08 on
27 August, 2014
Can you honestly say that management exactly encouraged them to hang around.
If I remeber correctly, in the wake of Motherwell PL was convicting them beforre they were tried.
Joe fillippis hair cut
I refuse to blame Scottish football for our own shoddy mistakes.
The SPFL should be a ‘training league’ that allows our players to prepare for Europe…
We should romp the league and compete in Europe every year.
ive just seen this…
BREAKING NEWS:
Possible UEFA investigation into work permit issues concerning one of last nights Champions League qualifying matches.
lets hope its us and we are booted out Europa before we are humiliated again.
fanadpatriot
10:15 on
27 August, 2014
Because 500k would make all the difference.
What exactly is his bonus based on? Precise details please.
quonno
10:15 on
27 August, 2014
Mate.
I don`t want a battle with my fellow Tims.
I read their statement.
I`m sure you did too.
A few posts hypothetically calling for Samars for last night’s game, changed days, he walked as he wasn’t wanted, the support very rarely wanted him either…..
Ayrshire is Green and White
Auld Bertie
Me. I’d do
It for £150k.
I reckon I could do it better.
I have 20 years experience of senior management in a large complex political environment with a. £billion / year turnover.
However there are many many better candidates out there.
I just feel empty today.
Empty.
HAIL! HAIL!
Token
Cultsbhoy. Oh if it was as easy to bridge the gap from SPL football to European football look back history will show you that no club from the Scottish league has had a run in Europe recentlyThis in my opinion is just not a Celtic issue. H.H.
TinyTim
09:56 on 27 August, 2014
_____________________
Everything that yer saying is heartfelt by me.
BUT, the bottom line is this….
If, you have given the PLC/board your SB-money or,
with good intentions bought shares…then, as soon as
your money comes out of your account – YOU don’t
matter anymore. That’s how it is.
If, after giving the PLC/board your money, you choose
not to attend CP – the PLC/board don’t care. It’s YOUR
loss. They don’t give a monkeys fluck.
For what, 5 years? I’ve been coming on here and saying
the same thing – day in, day out – and, fholk think I’m an
eejit / needing sectioned etc…but, will it take more doses
of last nights type of medicine to get fholk to finally be big
enough to – take a step back and say – “The bhoy who cried
wolf – was right!”
It’s not about me. It was ‘never’ about me. Now, it’s all about
all of you out there to please stop being ‘sucked-in’ by a bunch
of Thatcherite CHARLATAN’s who only care about your bank
accounts every summer time. There are fholk very close to me
who are paying through the nose all for the love of Celtic and, no
matter how many arguments take place – they can’t let go and, there
are tens of thousands just like them who are being ruthlessly exploited
by a pack of wolves kitted-out in the sharp suited sheep-clothing.
The ship has sailed for this season and, the emotional tug of facing the died huns next season will be a strong one. The died huns will be in the same league as Celtic next season by masonic consent.
This is flucking killing me – bye.
Paul. Please no headers about tax , deid clubs , great youth set ups and other levels of spin
Eye on real enemy now. Peter Lawwell
cultsbhoy
10:19 on 27 August, 2014
Auld Bertie
Me. I’d do
It for £150k.
I reckon I could do it better.
I have 20 years experience of senior management in a large complex political environment with a. £billion / year turnover.
However there are many many better candidates out there.
—————————————————————-
You’d take a pay cut for Celtic, good on ye mate Hail Hail.
Ayrshire is Green and White
Bonuses and large dividends….I’ve been saying it for a number of years……..
Some are beginning to realise it finally.
I would say CFC cannot run the business model on 15k attendances……I love a full CP but whats the point?
The more we put in the more gets taken out in bonuses and dividends……the percentages remain the same but the numbers increase.
Lawell maintains he gets the “going rate”……..I say its the easiest job on the planet…..he has an almost 100% captive customer base who although they may not buy the product would never dream of going anywhere else.
He is not smart, clever, astute or anything else….theres plenty of people sitting in the stands of the calibre required to do Lawell’s job…….plenty
Strip out the odd big transfer fee here and there and his performance is EXTREMELY ordinary.
Big bonuses, big dividends and lack of team investment……..
It is what it is…..
TT
It will take a lot to fill you up
LOVE
Last nite
I witnessed a team that got
slaughtered by legia yes 6-1 over 2
games lets not forget this folks
Be beat by mediocre pot 4 team
That has a budget smaller than ours
Suicidal tactics at half time again
Johansen was gash he should have been hooked for commons if anything
At all
this guy doesn’t no this team at all
He hasn’t been given substantial funds
To impose his philosophy
Why gamble with the limitations he has at hand
He is a crap manager
As far as I can see
4 defeats and we ain’t outta august
Resting players at game 3
in the league
Mental
They needed games at this time of the season
Get him out now before we suffer
The humiliation of the sevco winning the league next year
Because believe me we ain’t so far in front now
A quote from a fairly successful manager, who always starts poorly at a new club. This was from him last night.
Louis Van Gaal: ‘I am here to build up a new team. A new team is not built in one month. It takes time.’
Can we accept Ronny should have time to build a new team, yes we should.
Van Gaal was not Man Us first pick for manager.
Since his arrival he’s insisted on going after his first choices of transfer. This has meant months of negotiations and not signing anyone yet.
Since his arrival, he has changed the formation, the style and stuck to it. That’s what the history of football tells us that successful managers do, they study the game, form a style and implement it.
Ronny will do the same, he will make mistakes, don’t we all but he should be afforded the time to do this. Why? because you do not measure anyone’s success on two months in the job. You do it against their mid/long term targets. Adding extra pressure, simply isn’t fair.
If a Celtic Manager ever bows to the demands of our fickle support, he is not doing his job properly. He is there to manage the Football team and not listen to supporters. For all the knowledge we think we have, very few of us have been lucky enough had a successful career in football.
Jock Stein changed our stale British Style of play, drawing on the successful Hungarian game he’d studied, was there success over night? No certainly not. Did he eventually pull football power from the board, some yes. What was his reputation before he arrived? Celtic class?
Ronny is changing our style of play, he has brought in a more modern style of football, formation, tempo, decision making and culture even. This really needed to happen. This will take a huge amount of time, Europa probably perfect test as we have not yet got Ronny’s team in front of us. In order to regularly compete at the top level a change like was necessary. Look where Belgian football was, look at the players they have now. You guys will remember how poor French football was, look how they transformed to winning the World cup. Ferguson’s Man U, Dortmund from nearly bankrupt, Ajax after copying Jock Stein, Guy Roux’s Auxerre, Lyon’s amazing players all took huge changes and took time and investment in youth.
The board have seen in many business’s how people react to change, usually very poorly. They think Mid to Long term though, not short term like many supporters. Remember how they sacked Strachan, because of shouts from the stand? Nope neither do I.
I’m gutted about last night, it was a long, lonely, walk along the Gallowgate, however, you have to take the rough with smooth. Celtic have given me so much, (even before I was born!) so I owe the club my loyalty and support.
I love Celtic and I believe this change is required. We are in transition. See you when we get there.
Hail Hail.
The manager said at the beginning of pre season that we needed wingers (note the plural). We have now been KO’d in from CL, twice, and are 5 days until the close of window. One injured flop from on loan from Villa, who we’ve yet to see is all he’s been given.
The manager said he didn’t like loan signings. He’s got three with a fourth possibly to follow this week.
The assistant manager said during pre season that he and the manager would be looking to buy, where possible, the best young talent in Scotland. Tumbleweed.
If we are going down the ‘project’ route for our managers now as well as our players then we need to at least back him.
The scout and the accountant doesn’t work. Its a flawed combination that has led to millions being wasted on third rate garbage from abroad. The occasional diamond does not make up for the dross we bringing in, especially as that diamond is sold as soon as a half decent bid comes in for them.
There is a lot of criticism of our new manager with some fans calling for his head. Comments like “Team punching above our weight under Lennon to below our weight under Ronny!”. Sorry that is total nonsense! Last season, we scrapped past Elfsborg, were extremely lucky against Karagandy and in CL group stages were every bit a Pot 4 team by some distance. As ST holder and who was at pretty much every home game, in the league I felt our play was laboured and murder to watch at times. With the exception of VVD, we spent very badly this time last year. We were put out both cups with a whimper. It is my opinion we were in pretty poor shape when Ronny arrived. He hasn’t been able to work wonders but you only have to look at Van Gaal to see how difficult that is. That is not to say he doesn’t deserve criticism for not taking advantage of our reprieve. However, I am the “give a new manager time” camp. I think there are glimpses he could be a successful manager for us, here is hoping anyway.
I was bitterly disappointed and angry after the game last night. This morning I feel a bit more pragmatic. Any news on the Serb striker? It is very obvious we need one. It would certainly help my mood. Although, would make me question why we didn’t invest at the start of the window, pre qualifiers. Not saying we should go breaking the bank but surely we can identify players to strengthen the team and give us a better chance of negotiating these matches…can we?…surely?…..
Well anyway, I will be there on Saturday cheering on the Bhoys!
Let me ask why Peter Lawwell who is a Celtic man would want to bring Celtic to our knees ?We are in very difficult financial times and it is the CEO and the boards job to steer Celtic in a prudent manner so that our children and grandchildren can watch our great club.H.H.
Some thoughts on last night.
The Maribor manager caught Ronnie by surprise by not sitting back like they did in the first leg. This caused absolute panic in defence and midfield and we had no out ball in Stokes.
Fair enough, smart move by Maribor but why did it take 45 minutes to do something to counter it?
Ronnie said on day 1 the team was lacking pace and so it proved last night. No Brown, Forrest, Tonev or Wakaso and no new target man centre forward.
I really don’t think he had much choice with the personnel at his disposal. The only main point of contention was Commons on the bench but we all new when he came on that it increased both our chances of scoring and theirs.
I will hold off judgement on our manager until he has more options up front.
Berget is not a winger.
Ambrose is not a right back and I’m not sure he’s a footballer either.
Izzy is not a defender.
Charlie is not a playmaker or defensive midfielder.
Stokes is not a primary striker or target man.
Lets see how the next few months go when he has Tonev et al in place and we can hopefully see his vision in action.
martim1980
10:24 on 27 August, 2014
Quality post buddy!!
Martim1980
very well written mate and I totally agree with you.
Its hard to put into words how we all feel today.
Others smirk at us today but keep smiling.
KLV