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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Like every Celtic fan I want Neil to succeed … but surely we should back him till he stops collecting trophies 🏆
Hello again all you young rebels.
Good morning from a lovely sunny Melbourne.
26 degs expected and a convincing Celtic victory later absolutely
mandatory.
Our Premier has already been on this morning and took off more
restrictions after 9 days of 0 infections, but masks stay in place for
the next couple of weeks.
Carefully does it now, and a health task force is waiting to jump
into action for any small outbreak.
Barbie to clean now, rid biddy chilling, and The Bhoys to watch later.
Aaaa it’s a grand green life.
H.H. Mick
Gftb-absolutely,but what would have happened to Lenny if he had just stayed at Leicester and played out his career down south
Wishy Tim
Just catching up now, sad news indeed.
Stay strong mhate.
H.H. Mick
Melbourne Mick 12.20am
There are some Neil Lennon. fanatics on the go …..
Me … my wee Emily Grace said
“Dad why do you always stand up for Neil Lennon” ….
I said young daughter … Neil is Celtic through and through … fact 🍀
Maybe when we stop collecting trophies people will appreciate your Neil Lennons 🍀🍀
FB 12.23am
As soon as Martin left… Neil “left” Leicester they tried to double his money but Neil bring Neil wanted to wear the hoops … that is a fact … Neil
Was Leicesters captain but came to Celtic for less money
Everyone gets that Lenny has went through horrific intimidation.
But when do we see him as not good enough anymore without feeling guilty or being branded a hater 🤷♀️
* shakes heid *
GFTB
Kids eh? weemhan and his mhates went to a party with their
Sheila’s last night, still had their hoops tops on from the morns
fitty, stopped the car to ask them ” yous not getting changed to
go out ?
Wit fur?
Maybe I’m just getting too old?
lenny for me.
H.H. Mick
Gftb-so they tried to double his money 🤔
And if he hadn’t came to Celtic for less money he would have never earned the money he has earned since.
Speculate to accumulate mibee 😉
Bankie say something you coward
Bedtime
Melbourne Mick 12.35am
You are my type of “Celtic” like every other Celtic fan I realise we are going through a “bit” of a hard time … one defeat to the Huns … our young team & old yes’m now dint understand defeat … the young Tim’s just think we also win … maybe they need to lose a league to enjoy what that have …
God Bless Neil Lennon … if we do lose a title that’s the Celt …I want there 💚🍀
Gftb-as soon as Martin left. Professionalism went with him unfortunately
FB 12.38pm
I loved Brendan … but he wasn’t interested long term …
Parkville or Hamilton we will get a beer soon … Marsapa could even sort out the Big Tree
Cqn !! All of you thanks! Going back up Hospital! Wife driving! Absolutely gutted !! Feeling like never ending pain! Thanks for the kind comments! I know that I have been a pest most times here ! But as always the real good sides come out. On here! Sorry ☹️ But heart ❤️ is breaking!!!
Gftb-I was talking about Martin leaving Leicester.What happened to them for a long time
WISHAW TIM
I was very sorrow to read the news of your Mum, and I acknowledge that mere words seem so inadequate in times like this.
Gftb -BR is another matter 🤷♀️
Melbourne Mick,
I too would say you’re my sort of Celtic man, but chilling your red wine!! FFS :)
All the best buddy and have a couple of glasses for me 👍🏼
Wishaw Tim-🙏 Stay strong buddy 💚
Wishaw Tim,
My apologies, I had missed your comment earlier.
All the best at this tough time. Take care.
Wishaw Tim
If nothing else use here as an outlet and take care … life is shoite for a lot of people just now .. so disagreeing about Celtic should be enjoyable ..
God Bless Neil Francis ….
I do apologise to all the tactical geniuses … I will stick by Neil until he starts losing trophies … 💚🍀💚🍀
Wee dig again.You just canny help it buddy🤷♀️😉
Following Celtic is a lifetime of devotion good or bad.
Whether Neil has lost his mojo or not I think it’s too late to
change, 10 or not I’m in.
The huns have nothing to come back at us after the last few
years of us winning trophies, trebles, and record breaking
statistics, and don’t forget the hilarity we’ve had.
I know and accept people want Celtic to aspire to greater
heights i.e Europe, EPL, or whatever, but I’ve thought a few
times in past 70 odd years, ” wish Celtic would just get a win
today ”
Thats my choice to live and die happy with what we have done
in my lifetime.
Others have theirs.
Definitely need to clean that barbie now lol.
H.H. Mick
MM-pretty sure there coming back😉
Melbourne Mick on 8th November 2020 1:08 am
—–
The huns will stop the 10, that’s all they want and need. That matters here.
Melbourne Mick
Seemingly I can’t help myself …
Some posters look for things that dint exsist …
One thing for sure … for better or worse …
NEIL LENNON …. that’s my Celtic 💚🍀
Like me and you he hates the Sevco to
For every wee insifbficxnt wee posters every letter you type under the guise of Celtic ….. shame on you 💚❤️ Your doing the Huns work
This guy is loose, I like it…. Future Islands perform Seasons (Waiting On You) | Later… with Jools Holland…
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=e8Uhf3gM1m0
HH
Neil Lennon CSC 💚
God Bless our Neil 🍀
Trophy after trophy 🏆
It might end one day ……….
5 trophies on the trot ….
The Huns have yet to win a trophy but Neil isn’t as good as Steven G…. imagine Lennon has won f all …….. we
2010 Lennon was appointed Celtic manager.
Trophies won??
The huddle…
2010 ….. not sure that season your on
How many trophies had Lenny won?
The huddle
Loads🍀
Did.you not enjoy them all
Would you like the dates
He’d won zero
The Huddle .. 1.38am
Too Many ?
Or
Not enough ?