Since Dinamo Kiev inflected Celtic’s first home defeat in European competition, on what was our first European game after winning the European Cup four months earlier, last night’s shocker to Sparta Prague was our 36th and worst home reversal in Europe.
Three years ago PSG scored five, but, unlike Sparta, they did not hit the woodwork on two other occasions, and they are PSG. Last season Cluj also scored four, winning by a single goal, but by any measure, across 58 years of home European ties, that is without shadow of a doubt, the low point. We are now the team fans all over Europe point to and laugh, all the money, yet Cluj, Copenhagen, Ferenvcaros, Sparta.
What has gone wrong?
It is not the formation. Without changing to three at the back, I don’t think we would have won the league last season. This season, we tried four, then three, then four, then both defensive lines at different times of games, but the formation is not the problem. It is possible to defend, control games and create chances with either line-up. And as we have seen, a change in formation does not make a slow or clumsy defender fast and assured. If only it were as simple as Scott Brown’s advancing years, or injuries and absentees; they are red herrings, this malaise is more serious.
Post-match, Callum McGregor and Neil Lennon spoke well. The player admitted to humiliation, the manager walked that fine line of showing contained anger, but he was clear: a lack of application from the players was to blame. What a thought to ponder.
I am fond of many in our squad; they have delivered success beyond my wildest imagination. I am fond of the manager too, for the same reason – results are all, and his filled the well some time ago. If I thought sacking the manager would safely resolve matters, I would tell you so.
It is Neil’s responsibility to put the players on the field in the correct frame of mind to compete at their best every time. He is failing in this, his criticism last night is self-directed, but sacking him right now would be a Gambler’s Play. It might work, it might result in carnage, anyone convinced they know how it would play out, underestimates the complexity of the question.
What I know for sure is that we stand at an historic precipice and no one is coping. We need to reframe the challenge ahead, if we do not, the season will play out as you now fear. Together, we have a great opportunity to record magnificent achievements, a fourth consecutive treble, 10 and all the glory that comes with it, but all you see are demands weighing everyone down.
This responsibility lies on Neil Lennon and the players because they are winners. They have the Scottish Government hammering them while punching for Newco, they have 10,000 critics weighing-in online (which they read and are not helped by). These are the wages of success, lesser mortals have six critics, let this fuel their engine.
After the game, Chris Sutton insisted Europe was still important to Celtic. Chris, you don’t live in the towns of Lanarkshire. Europe has gone this season; we need to reframe this too. Our three remaining Europa weeks are an opportunity to develop the squad and rest weary legs, while Newco will have at least five competitive Europa games. We must now think of this as an advantage; make the most of it.
We know how to win leagues and trophies. We were on our knees at New Year but while others “bottled it” and we got on with the business of winning. There are no white, saltire or union flags here, only green league title flags. To the manager, coaches and players, what a privilege this challenge is.
Relive some of the better days that took us here in Celtic: Treble Treble, by Alex Gordon, a 100 page full colour booklet on how the Invincible, Double and Treble Trebles were won. Our stock is available here for £5 each (retail £9.95).
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P8DDY on 7TH NOVEMBER 2020 12:50 AM
ERNIE LYNCH…
Thanks for the explanation. I havent seen the direct quote but Im sure tge red tory cult will will provide it 😂😂
HH
Getting a new manager in to replace, NFL, isn’t the answer, regime change is the answer.
But we no longer have those type’s of supporter’s, to effect that change.
:))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Good morning from a cold but very bright North Staffs.
Tomorrow will be interesting – if Lenny wants to make a statement to the dressing room then leave out the trouble makers and malcontents – but take a look in the mirror first.
HOT SMOKED on 7TH NOVEMBER 2020 8:54 AM
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I know, NS is playing to her future demography, when she says those thing’s.
If it’s Independence in the future, how long before the majority of Scotland put NS to the test and, ask her why Irish immigrants need to be in Scotland, when at that time, there’ll probably be a new Ireland?
Does NS know that, British WW2 surplus, RAF bomb’s, were dumped into the Irish sea, and are still there?
GENE on 7TH NOVEMBER 2020 8:56 AM
Maybe take a leaf out of Fergie’s book, adopt a siege mentality, and convince the players that everyone is against them, the football authorities, the match oficials, the media, the SNP government, and that they have to fight their way out as a unit.
The first bit shouldn’t be difficult, there’s evidence aplenty and it’s the players lived experience. The second bit might be harder.
Stevie Clarke knows how to defend he would have to defend and attack could he do that, he is also drab and boring to listen to, monotone no matter what the subject is
“So, Independent of what, or whom?”
—-
it is a good question
but independence from almost permanent tory governments who dont give a shite about scotland would be a start
because apart from a few blips here and there, thats what england votes for
DESSYBHOY on 7TH NOVEMBER 2020 9:07 AM
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I know he’s drab, and boring, but he would have Duffy being talked about in the £25 million bracket, given how easily pleased some people can be.
At the moment I would go 4 4 2, el hamed Duffy button Taylor
Turnbull Soro McGregor laxalt
Any 2 from the strikers available
Can’t be worse that what we have seen barkas in goals
LETS ALL DO THE HUDDLE on 7TH NOVEMBER 2020 9:09 AM
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How much austerity would have to be endured to pay for both the border that would need to be installed, and to balance the book’s, to reach the financial threshold to gain entry into the EU?
Five in Polynesian Islands with first Russian teamaker (7).
Anyone??
Trying to log in on tablet and laptop… Nothing for 2 hours.
Now on an old iPad…
Feds this is tiresome
D. :)
Please Celtica – win the morra…………….
I’m away for a swim.
Baltic CSC.
Feds – tiresome
Aff oot
Dessybhoy
`Button` would certainly tighten things up at the back !
GENE on 7TH NOVEMBER 2020 8:56 AM
Tomorrow will be interesting – if Lenny wants to make a statement to the dressing room then leave out the trouble makers and malcontents – but take a look in the mirror first.
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Gene
Good morning.
Given everything Neil Lennon has faced and overcame in his time with us (on and off the field) whilst making huge contributions to Celtic’s successes we haven’t seen in decades before his arrival at our club, is the end to your post warranted?
I would suggest not.
HH
Hot Smokie…..
Kontiki…………..
ERNIE LYNCH on 7TH NOVEMBER 2020 8:17 AM
So people on here are criticising lennon because he criticised the First Minister?
You live on another planet if you actually believe that,
She doesn’t pick the team, motivate the team, set up the team – his call and he’s failing.
Leave politics out of it son…
HOT SMOKED on 7TH NOVEMBER 2020 9:16 AM
TYPHOO T
ONENIGHTINLISBON on 7TH NOVEMBER 2020 9:19 AM
Basic comprehension a bit of a struggle for you at this time of the morning?
Gene- a problem NL has ,is he needs to win, he will have to swallow his pride in some cases and pick his best team to win the game. First name on the team sheet (copyright BSR) ,Broonie….. I think he will go with Eddy and LG up front, and hope they can hit it off again, though Eddy has been really poor this season. HH
ERNIE LYNCH on 7TH NOVEMBER 2020 9:28 AM
ONENIGHTINLISBON on 7TH NOVEMBER 2020 9:19 AM
Basic comprehension a bit of a struggle for you at this time of the morning?
Aye go on explain then …
HOT SMOKED on 7TH NOVEMBER 2020 9:16 AM
Something to do with samoa and samovar? V=5?
Kontiki? I don`t get it .
Typhoo T? That`ll be it :-))))
No other offerings?
ernie
That`s the one !
Thanks.
I always believe change is necessary and inevitable.
I have also been resolute in that we must be very aware and respectful for what Neil Lennon has endured for Celtic. He has suffered like no other manager in Scotland. Even the ” impartial ” justice system let him down.
After reading back, I am in no doubt that some of us believe he has crossed a line by accusing the Scottish government of double standards.
My political colours are green and white.
HH.
I wonder if Trump will point to the postal vote rigging that took place last December, in UK election, with BBC’s Kuenessburg, and Tory MP Dominic Raab, were caught bragging on BBC’s “Politics Live” two day’s before the election had taken place, Kuenessburg said “Labour have done poorly with postal votes” as she smiled into Dominic Raab’s eye’s, that episode of “Politics Live” was pulled from BBC iPlayer, so that it couldn’t be used in evidence.
The letters in `samaovar` enabled me to finish the troublesome corner very quickly. I wonder if there is a parallel for our Club? One new piece and everything else falls into place?
Greenpinata @9:34am
`After reading back, I am in no doubt that some of us believe he has crossed a line by accusing the Scottish government of double standards.`
If that is a joke, it is quite funny :-))
DETTOLANDTHEBLACKASH on 7TH NOVEMBER 2020 8:01 AM
……………….
To call a Man such as Neil Lennon ” Peters PUPPET” was/is a Feckin disgrace.
This particular part time Poster frowm yesterday, ( I refuse to use his name…as he has REMINDED us on here TWO Feckin Million times on how he picked his Blog name…YAWN !) would only serve to give him the ” Attentioon” taht he forever seeks.
This is a 1st Class CHUMP…who by his own ” ADMISSION” a few months ago on here… ADMITTED that he hasnt seen Celtic in the flesh since the 1960’s/1970’s, so he hadnt seen Murdo, Nicholas, Aitken, Henrik, Sutton, Paul MacStay etc etc…and yet HE thinks he has the ” Right” to comment in such a disgraceful manner towards a Celtic Legend…( who he NEVER saw play either ) !
I wonder what a Chump like him would do IF he was manager of Celtic…Tell Peter (His BOSS), to go and Feck himself ?
Resign or get yourself SACKED from a very well paid Job etc etc, ?
I am always dismayed whenever I see any Poster actually responding to this 1st class Chump in any cheerful and/or positive light…as he is NOT a Celtic supporter…as he has NEVER bothered to travel to Celtic Park for almost FIVE Feckin DECADES…Despite having every opportunity to do so….He does NOT live abroad…just 3 or 4 hour drive from Celtic Park for decades…and yet he thinks hes ENTITLED to make disgusting statements about any Celtic Employee…never mind a Celtic LEGEND ?
What a Feckin CHUMP….
DETTOLANDTHEBLACKASH on 7TH NOVEMBER 2020 8:01 AM
……………….
To call a Man such as Neil Lennon ” Peters PUPPET” was/is a Feckin disgrace.
This particular part time Poster frowm yesterday, ( I refuse to use his name…as he has REMINDED us on here TWO Feckin Million times on how he picked his Blog name…YAWN !) would only serve to give him the ” Attentioon” taht he forever seeks.
This is a 1st Class CHUMP…who by his own ” ADMISSION” a few months ago on here… ADMITTED that he hasnt seen Celtic in the flesh since the 1960’s/1970’s, so he hadnt seen Murdo, Nicholas, Aitken, Henrik, Sutton, Paul MacStay etc etc…and yet HE thinks he has the ” Right” to comment in such a disgraceful manner towards a Celtic Legend…( who he NEVER saw play either ) !
I wonder what a Chump like him would do IF he was manager of Celtic…Tell Peter (His BOSS), to go and Feck himself ?
Resign or get yourself SACKED from a very well paid Job etc etc, ?
I am always dismayed whenever I see any Poster actually responding to this 1st class Chump in any cheerful and/or positive light…as he is NOT a Celtic supporter…as he has NEVER bothered to travel to Celtic Park for almost FIVE Feckin DECADES…Despite having every opportunity to do so….He does NOT live abroad…just 3 or 4 hour drive from Celtic Park for decades…and yet he thinks hes ENTITLED to make disgusting statements about any Celtic Employee…never mind a Celtic LEGEND ?
What a Feckin CHUMP…….WORSE than any Hun in my Book.
HH.
HOT SMOKED on 7TH NOVEMBER 2020 9:37 AM
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One new piece might be on display on Sunday, namely, Alan Campbell, Motherwell’s steady, central midfielder.
He might be the one to eventually replace our captain, and I know a lot of us will be wondering what comes after, Broony. I know that there’ll be dozen’s of differing views about this, but I’d personally put him under consideration.
Apologises for the double Post..my fingers slipped …OOps.
Dbhoy
Neil has been subjected to hatred and abuse and threats on and off the field – however he has to look at his own part in the current malaise. They are all part of the problem as well as the solution.
I wish him well in this endeavour – he’ll always be a Celtic legend.
Gene @ 08.56
100% in agreement with that
Why in November, does Neil feel he needs to sort of the dressing room ??
Tells me that he may have lost the respect of quite a few in there
And this us showing in the way we play
In my opinion only, I will add
Now from the politics show on here last night
Cannot believe the comment directed at the big gentleman Jamesgang, on his role in society, it should be removed by the Admin 1 or 2.
BIG JIMMY on 7TH NOVEMBER 2020 9:45 AM
Apologises for the double Post..my fingers slipped …OOps.
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That’s the adrenaline kicking in because you’re angry :O))))
JM
I am not aware of the Motherwell guy.
I think that getting good central defenders is a very difficult task for us because of how seldom we have to defend in Scotland compared with what any new guy is used to.
Sevco seem to be managing it just now but they do have a little help from their friends.
Cheerio for now.