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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Prayers said in support of Wishaw Tim on the loss of Ellen.may she rest in peace
may peroetual light shine on Brian Cooney
God bless all at this sad time for them
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Come on Celtic a strong victory today.
work for each other
hh
We don’t have a proper / mature defensive midfield player in the squad at the moment we have a VW sized hole in the squad.
SB has filled in for a few seasons — but his legs have gone and he is struggling to control our shape.
In his pomp he could busk it but now we are like jelly through the middle.
EK was brought in but not given a real opportunity by both BR and NL.
IS has been brought in but has not been given any sort of opportunity.
He does however have an agent who PL has on speed dial.
The issue has been 3 years in the making.
Wishaw Tim
Sincere condolences on your loss.
Brown still in – fiddlesticks
live updates up
Broony looks so bad because he is always covering for our right winger Frimpong … to think I laughed that Tavernier couldn’t defend … we are now playing without a right full back
I do like Frimpong going forward but just watch today and see if he ever defends or is ever in a position to defend … Scott Brown will make more tackles in the “right back” area than our right back
Tin foil hat rumours with a little bit of credibility — right up to the very posh hospitality level.
Certain players are scunnered at a total lack of football professionalism.
Coaching and set up is courtesy of B+Q — that is DIY.
Plus no leadership from the top.
Very sloppy habits to the fore.
Very sloppy.
BR left some level of expectation regarding engagement and analysis and we are nowhere near it at the moment — cheap is the best way of describing it.
Wishaw Tim
Prayers said for your mother.
Just had a read back! Overwhelmed guys! As others have said, it is very comforting! Thanks to all of you
zxz