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Celtic Diary Thursday November 24: Barcelona Show Their True Colours

When things go badly for Barcelona, they react badly. On a number of occasions last night they resorted to dirty tricks, fouls and off the ball attacks. What we used to get from spanish teams of old, in fact, has spread to the Catalan nation.

Celtic put in as good a performance as they have to date under Brendan Rodgers and probably as good as any under most of the previous managers. Players fought, ran, and played and then picked themselves up, and fought ,ran and played some more. The memory of the opening encounter well and truly moved to the back of the mind never to be spoken of again.

There wasn’t a single Celt who let his side down, and there wasn’t a single Celt who could have given more. They all deserve a pat on the back this morning, because they played out of their skin against a side many reckon are if not the best in the world, certainly up there with them.

Craig Gordon could do little at Barcelona’s first goal, a sublime pass from Neymar and a first time finish from Messi-which translates from Spanish into “little shit ” – that will be shown over and over again, although I won’t watch it.

He was only beaten once more, from the penalty spot, and in between made a couple of fine stops, including an outstanding one handed save from a header which looked goalbound even before the cross connected.

As for Messi, he again sullied his reputation-I still can;t understand why Ronaldo gets the bad press, and Messi, who resembles a resident of the Belgrave Hotel ย in Glasgow, seems to be some sort of hero. his antics in getting a booking for Sviatchenko persuaded an already adoring referee to whip out his card. Look at the referees face during the line up..

I’m surprised he didn’t run over at full time to get the Argentinians shirt, shorts and fucking phone number,

Mikael lustig, despite a running battle with Neymar, which translates from Portuguese as “little shit ” , more than held his own at right back. Neymars frustration showed in a spectacular assault on the Swede which either was a result of something unseen that had happened between the two, or a deliberate atempt to get the booking which would mean he didn;t have to play against Borussia.

As all bookings are wiped before the knockout stages, thats unlikely to be the reason, and when he launched himself into the back of Lustig, the Swede reacted, but not in the way you or I would have, as Neymar remained conscious. A little bit of a melee ensued, which saw Jozo Simunovic get involved, and I have to admit it warmed the cockles of my heart-I suppose they must be near the ventricles-to see the lads stick together like that.

At left back Emilio Izaguirre added that experience and bite that was missing in previous games, but even he was caught out by Suarez, which translates from his native Uruguayan into “little shit ” , who held onto his arm and performed a remarkable simulation of a foul which led to the penalty that put the result beyond doubt to all of us watching, if not those playing.

Those three players, Neymar, Messi and Suarez , form probably the most talented forward line of the last fifty years or so, and yet they reminded me of Porto back in 2003. more than capable of destroying you by playing football, but thoroughly distasteful and petulant individuals who , for want of a better phrase, don;t like it up ’em.

By competing with Barcelona, and presenting these three with a green and white wall, completed with the excellent pairing of Jozo Simunovic and Erik Sviatchenko, the three amigos resorted to foul means.

All of it left a bitter taste in the mouth, and if i do say so myself, perhaps we should have locked them out of the dressing rooms or turned off the hot water supply.

What did rankle a little was the decision to send a pipe band to meet the Barcelona team bus and herald their arrival like some sort of all conquering heroes returning from battle.

All of which helps their confidence, all of which adds to their feeling of superiority , of a similar kind to that which we detest on the other side of the city, and gives them a feeling that the team will roll over as well.

Well, the team didn’t. Though its time now to put a stop to this nonsense, a pipe band. alright, be a genial host, but that was pathetic. We’re not supposed to make them feel good. We’re supposed to take them down a notch. whatever idiot dreaned that one up should be quietly taken round the back of the north stand and given a proper kicking, before being dragged in irons behind a tractor along the Celtic Way.

 

That meant it was down to the team to show them no respect, and they didn’t. That ย upset Barcelona, the team from the Catalan capital, which translates as “town of little shits “, because they found the midfield duo of Scott Brown and Stuart Armstrong snapping at them, closing them down and running at them at every opportunity.

Yesterday I bemoaned the lack of a Roy Aitken or a Bertie Auld. Turns out we didn’t need them. Brown was immense. So much so that the referee stopped play to count the players in hoops as it looked as though Celtic had an extra midfielder.

Brown might not have the finesses of a Messi, but the little shit won’t fancy coming up against him again for a long time. Although on the losing side, its hard to remember a more focussed and determined performance from the captain, and I have to tip my fictional hat in his direction.

Brown was ably supported by Stuart Armstrong, who is turning into the player Darren Fletcher of Scotland wants to be. Arnstrong was everywhere as well, but not in the same place as Brown, They worked in tandem, supporting each other and covering for each other.

In a year or two’s time, at this rate, we’re going to struggle to hold on to him.

In front of them, Scott Sinclair started, and he, too, caused the Catalans all sorts of problems, so much so that they ended up fouling him and taking him out of the game. Even after the foul, he tried to keep running, and he, too, could be one we struggle to hold on to.

When he didn’t re appear for the second half, the Barcelona defence breathed a collective sigh of relief, which , ten minutes or so later had turned into a collective wail as they cried “oh bollocks, they’ve got another one ” as James Forrest tore into them from the flank.

Then there was Tom Rogic, another who battled, and aso added to the attacking threat. He put in a towering performance, on and off the ball, and when he departed the scene after about an hour, when he was replaced by Nir Biton. Biton, a less boisterous player, deserves praise for slotting in effortlessly and adapting to the pace of the game.

Then the unsung hero. Sure he could have done better when clear on goal, but his own ability in getting him there shocked him, and it will take him a while, and a sizable portion of the support, to realise he’s not a bad player at all. Calum MacGregor, chosen to stiffen the midfield ahead of a second winger, put in a great shift.

He’s learning all the time, and did the simple the well, all the time making it difficult for the Catalans to get into their stride. Celtic put together a few quick passing moves as well, which created a few chances, and MacGregor’s speed in moving the ball on played a big part in that. Absolutely shattered, he was replaced by Patrick Roberts, to cries from the Barcelona defence of “oh bollocks, they’ve got another one. He , too, did his bit, tormenting a tiring back line, and with a little more experience, perhaps a round, maybe we don’t need as much of an upgrade on the paying side as we thought last summer.

Up front, and again putting in a gruelling ninety minutes was Moussa Dembele, He worked, he battled and he was unlucky not to score a couple. chances were created, but luck wsn;t with him.

That was his first European campaign, and he did very well. three goals i five games against that standard of opposition is very promising, and we must remember how old he is before levelling any criticism at him for missing the header which on any other day he would have scored.

It ‘s kind of strange, typing this and praising the players, but there isn’t anything else to say that would be an honest reflection on last nights game. They did well, they have improved considerably, but we’re still here, Thiursday morning, out of Europe as the side can now only match Borussia on points, the Germans earning a draw against Manchester City in their game last night. Matching points isn’t good enough, as the Europa place will be decided on the head to head record, which at least is less embarrassing than goal difference.

Despite losing last nioght, they made Barcelona show their true colours, the nasty, spiteful side of them that comes with being told you’re the best in the world, and then, on a cold November night in Glasgow, finding out that you aren’t.

I think its time to forget this so called love affair with Barcelona, don’t you ?

Image result for yes gif

 

So its on to a cup final at the weekend, and we hope the players can recover from the disappointment of a European exit. Perhaps a trophy and the first leg of a rare treble will spur them on.

but maybe they shouldn;t need spurrin gon, as they’ve every right to feel better about themselves this morning.

They may not have advanced into the post Christmas stage of European football, but they have restored a bit of pride aongst the support for how they competed in their first season together at this level.

This means we can look forward to next years tournament with a little more confidence than this years, and the knowledge that even without more signings, there is plenty of talent and effort in this squad, and all we needed was the right man to bring it out.

 

And he seems to be in place, doing just that.

 

 

 

 

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bgbhoy
7 years ago

callum mcgregor? the lad looked scared last night!! he was hiding for most parts of the game, not making himself available for the pass and bottling infront of goal like he did in gladbach

im sorry but hes not a player at this level, he was a weak link last night…..

jimmybee
7 years ago
Reply to  bgbhoy

Agreed m8 also think Lustig and Rogic were below what they can do.
Forrest showed why he should be in before Roberts and Mcgregor.
So close we are,I think January will be interesting. A couple of players in key positions would put us in a great position for next seasons champions league assault.
Glad to be out of Europa league to be honest,champions league or nothing for me.
Lets get it out the system and concentrate now on the domestic treble.
HH

celtsfan67
7 years ago

HAIL HAIL

BondiBrian
7 years ago
Reply to  celtsfan67

Agree wi the sycophant nonsense bestowed on Barca. Gie me the pragmatism of the German teams any day of the week.

Anyhoo…HAIL HAIL N aw that !!!!!!!!!!!

The Holy Poet
7 years ago

Great write up and enjoyed reading every line as didn’t get to see all of the game. I couldnโ€™t even get to the pub to join The WLCSC as laid up with sciatica. I saw most of it though and was sickened by Messi and Neymar. They knew they were in a game last night and resorted to the old Spanish style to get their way. HH
ps. What I saw of McGregor impressed me too but as I said earlier, never saw the whole match.

Devoy45
7 years ago

Ralph, my thoughts exactly! You read my mind. Barcelona did show us their true colours. Their front three are talented, overpaid, petulant little shits, especially Suarez and Neymar. Messi getting a player booked was real lack of class. The referees were too busy giving Barca blow jobs to see what was going on. Neymar has a face you just want to punch…and punch again.
Our bhoys did us proud and have given us a good European experience. If Brendan can keep all of this team, or the core of it, it bodes well for the next few years. Last night proved we can run with the best. Well done bhoys. I’ve been to the Camp Nou and have some Catalan friends, but then, Neymar, Messi and Saurez aren’t Catalan. Brendan got us to the Big Show and we are proud of the achievement.

Iantm
7 years ago
Reply to  Devoy45

Neymar is a cheating little shitebag.

Unfortunately he will not go to jail for his crooked scam.

Me? I want the little prick to get the max sentence possible and two big Jaun’s as cell mates… Just for balance. ๐Ÿ˜‰

Hiya Monti, how are you Bro.

Devoy45
7 years ago

p.s. Forrest showed why he is valuable to our club and should have been on from the beginning. On form, he offers more than Roberts. McGregor’s not yet up to CL.

The Charlie Saiz International
7 years ago
Reply to  Devoy45

I thought Brendan called it right in the end we needed the manpower in Midfield not out wide for the first 60 minutes or so.
Bringing the wingers on later kept them occupied more at their own end allowing us space to come out and at least have a go?
I think Brendan sees alot more in McGregor than a great many fans do myself.
The boy is still learning his trade as a MF and by my reckoning has played in every position available in there over the past 2 years.
Central.Defensive Mid,left side ,right side and also in attack he seems to cope fine no matter where he drops in.
I believe at some point the penny will drop and he will find his true position.
Given time.

7 years ago

Thought Sinclair was absent and I think he goes missing a lot out on that touchline.
Thought Gregor McCallum (guy behind me calling that out) had a great shift..as Rodgers said “last week he played left back, this week right mid..great character”
Armstrong had a bad pass for every great tackle and gets much better press than McGregor in supporter eyes which is unjust in my honest opinion.
Roberts isnt an impsct sub and needs more starts to get into a game.
Broony and Gordon were excellent
Jozo and Erik did fine wae Jozo impressing with effort
Dembele would have learned a few things up against Pique and Mascherano
Izzy..I was screaming “STAY ON YOUR FEET” at the Celtic defence, sadly he got suckered in by a wily fox who is up for Ballon D’Or
Forrest – did well and I think he and Roberts deserve some more time with Sinclair often going missing in games.
Lustig – Caught with ball over the top a few times but did okay too against the horriblest wee f*cker in football. If the Barca love in is over, the Brazil love in was over a long time ago wae creeps like Neymar. Hope they jail him but no doubt a “settlement” will be agreed like with Messi.

it was a good effort and we will have learned a lot. Hopefully hasn’t taken too much out of us for Sunday.
In honest truth, I don’t think Barcelona got out of 3rd gear, at one point Messi and Saurez were literally walking about the pitch.

henkesdreadlocks
7 years ago
Reply to  Desimond

The guy behind you was probably one of the many that fucked off before the final whistle.

BondiBrian
7 years ago
Reply to  Desimond

Agree Desi. Ah ( like most fiba fans ) used ti love Brazil. But the last 15 years ah canny stand them.

Allymac
7 years ago

Agree with most of what you say. The game was won on individual pieces of brillaince and gamesmanship…at least Izzy managed to keep his arm out of Suarez’s mouth. I thought Celtic competed last night, Barca didnt get it all their own way and all in all it was very promising.

The next step is keeping this team together not just for 1 year but for the next 3-4 years, adding some extra quality and then we may really see a Celtic team who can go into Europe confident rather than hopeful.

Onto Saturday, hope Sinclair makes it but if it is a hammy then no chance but we have Griffiths, Forrest and Roberts who will all be loooking to start….what a crap squad!!!

bgbhoy
7 years ago

was i watching the same game as some of you? i dont think sinclair has been playing too well since he missed that chance at home to the germans? but to say mcgregor put in a great shift? it looked like brown was going to kill him at one point for not looking for the ball, wasteful infront of goal where a better player would of slipped in the striker… as for rogic the ball seemed to bounce off him all night and stuart armstrong must of gave the ball away 5 or 6 timers in the first 20 mins

an improved team performance but that us by no means the best barcelona team of recent years, and a better team could of got a result last night

they wont win that this year

Joe
7 years ago
Reply to  bgbhoy

I like McGregor – he can be slack at times, but the thing that I think he offers above the rest of the midfield at the moment is how he keeps the ball moving a lot quicker. That’s my main criticism of us in Europe, most evident in both games against the Germans – we’re a bit ponderous, even with good possession. Teams at this level adjust their shape so quickly that you need to move the ball quicker – I think Mcgregor does this the best of the midfield. Still a way to go with him mind, but I think there’s a top player in there.

Monti
7 years ago

Ralph,
The only thing i disagree with you on is McGregor, i think he can do a job domestically but that’s all i think.
My main concern this morning is Scott Sinclair, hopefully we get good news today.

Neymar?
I just wanted someone to snap the cunts ankle!
Never mind he’ll be jailed soon enough!
A cross between djiouf and novo!

schoosh71
7 years ago

The team, the fans and the club showed they belong at this level. Onwards and upwards for Brendan and his Bhoys. HH

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  schoosh71

Schoosh,
Well said m8!

Monti
7 years ago

Next season when we get Barcelona in the groups again,maybe we could do a food bank collection, immediately where the Barca coach stops outside the ground.
We could ask Neymar and Messi to donate the tax from their earnings.

Neymaris now more unpopular with me than Efe!

BondiBrian
7 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Efe is a Celtic player. Neymar is a bawbag.

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  BondiBrian

So are you ๐Ÿ™‚

BondiBrian
7 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Ah don’t play for Celtic Montizuma…therefore yer post is:
P
I
S
H.

Calm doon noo, in jest ma man, in jest.

mike
7 years ago

Naemair Neymar, you little shit,
I dinny like yoo one little bit,
He plays for Barca,the little prick,
his cheatin antics,make me sick,
feigning injury,his special trick,
yoo want to skelp him,the little dick,
I wis hoping yoo would skelp him,Scotty Brown,
a cheatin arsehole the little clown,
his attitude and antics,let him down,
So naemair Neymar,yoo little shit,
Ralphy hates yoo,yoo little git.

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  mike

Mike,
Mind give me a bell tonight after 6 pal, that should give you enough time to sell folks telly’s and laptops at the corner of commercial st. ๐Ÿ™‚

Admin
7 years ago
Reply to  mike

Brilliant Mike!

Admin
7 years ago
Reply to  mike

His name is Messi
Just like his Tax returns
His name is Neymar
A name that causes stomach churns
His name is Suarez
Wae a sleakit mind and teeth of buck
They front up for Barcelona
And they can all go to fuck

alan
7 years ago

I thought brown, Armstrong and jozo were brilliant. erik and Gordon were very good too. the crowd needed a goal and the rood might have lifted off and who knows what might have happened then?

as regards barca, the Catalans are lovely people but their players are south American and their antics are no surprise to anyone who knows football. vicious, sneaky little fuckers and that is nothing new for them.

Boyne Bhoy
7 years ago

Glad it wasn’t just me that saw the look of love from the officials at the start-one of the linesmen couldn’t take his eyes of Messi

Dziekanowski's nightclub child
7 years ago

I’m fed up of some of the fans that sit near me for the CL games, constantly berating Dembele and McGregor. Dembele chests a long ball down and has Macherano, Alba and another around him, we had just cleared the ball so the Midfield had not got up to support and he loses the ball, all I hear is ‘he’s overrated, I never thought there was a player there, f%^&kin’ terrible play!’ Eh, get a grip, what is the guy supposed to do? The same guys were on the back of pretty much every player if a pass was misplaced or a decision wrong but there was special ‘hatred’ for McGregor, the guy is out there giving his all for the hoops and not doing a bad job as far as I can see, he makes mistakes but so does everyone, give him a break.

As for the game, I was happy to see the progression from the 1st game in qualifying to now, it looks like a different team and I think that we only need 2 or 3 quality players (maybe defensive midfield a No. 10 and a rightback) and we have the makings of a fine team that given the right draw could be a constant in the knockout stages.

Without Messi, Barca look a level below the top clubs in the CL, no chance of winning it this season.

Admin
7 years ago

Bravo!

The Charlie Saiz International
7 years ago

Well said McGregor is the new Sammy I think.
The bhoy is learning his trade ffs he’s only turned 23 in June.
What happened to developing our own talent and nurturing our young players?
He’s playing against Europes Elite and holding his own often in positions new to him as a player?
The bhoy spent most of his lone period playing as an attacking MF on the left side.
He’s going to make mistakes,he’s going to flap a bit under pressure at times ffs it’s a packed Celtic Park against Barca.
I am convinced some within our support are only truly fuckin happy if they have something or someone too moan about.
The bhoy runs his heart out EVERY GAME put’s in a full shift all the while picking up the experience that will see him develop into I think a mainstay at Celtic in a couple of years.
Fuck sake Broonie is playing his best fitba in his 30’s.

Iljas Baker
7 years ago

Did we watch the same game? Effort is one thing but skill is that wins things usually. Mcgregor, Rogic, Armstrong and Lustig aren’t skillful enough at this level. I’m not sure how much these players can improve as they are consistent in their faults. I agree that Roberts isn’t an impact sub.
Definitely looking for some new signings in the next window.

Broxburnbhoy
7 years ago
Reply to  Iljas Baker

There are few players that have the skill for Barcelonas level period. Getting on our players back because they fought hard and played well against the best club team in the world is like telling your mate who cycles in local races that he lacks the skill to win the Tour de France. The team did well and gave a good account of themselves.

Bob
7 years ago

Can someone tell me why Lustig was booked? Neymark kicks him and Lustig and him both get booked. then right at the back of it he has another kick at Lustig,then takes about 2mins to leave the park anybody from our side would’ve been off.

Dziekanowski's nightclub child
7 years ago
Reply to  Bob

Because the ref bottled it and took the usual cowardly way out

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  Bob

Bob,
Going along to your teams AGM tomorrow?

desdamoaner
7 years ago

Thought we were outstanding last night, especially as we played them with 9 men. Rogic and McGregor’s positions the obvious ones to strengthen. Who knows though, maybe a better 3rd midfielder in there will free Rogic up a bit.

Brian (not the messiah)
7 years ago

I live in Barcelona and the Catalan media are talking about messidependencรญa that the team are dependent on him and I agree he is a different class albeit he got Chenko booked. I love football and I have to appreciate a player like messi, say what you will but he gets kicked fouled and abused by teams constantly and just gets on with it so lay off the messi hatred a bit. Was very proud of Celtic last night brown Gordon Izzy were excellent. By the way the daily ranger printed the Neymar 2 years story yesterday but as they don’t know Spanish law the don’t know that you only have to go to prison if your sentence is OVER 2 years. So it’s like the equivalent of a suspended sentence. There is no way he will go to jail and if he does I will eat my sumbrero and not disagree with Monti when he says Moyes is a good manager.

Admin
7 years ago

I physically laughed out loud there!

BondiBrian
7 years ago
Reply to  Desi Mond

How can yi no laugh “physically” ?

jebus
7 years ago

What a load of mince, barca kicked us boo-hoo FFS we kicked the utter shit out of them too. Both teams (wee dick neymar apart) gave as good as they got, some of our tackles were shocking.

As for izzy guys a dick, yet again a stupid decision from him costs us a goal and killed any chance we had of getting something.

We played well but the double standars from our fans recgards how barca played and we played is embarassing.

Admin
7 years ago
Reply to  jebus

Fair comment, 2 events springs to mind:

The one where Stuart Armstrong was still sweeping the leg while the barca player(Neymar?) had moved 5 yards was a peach and Messi’s dummy on Broonys charge near the end on the touchline was a “oooohhh” wince moment

Iljas Baker
7 years ago
Reply to  jebus

Spot on jebus.

Vinnie
7 years ago
Reply to  jebus

Jebus, absolute PISH. Izzy has proved his worth since Kieran Tierney has been injured and we’re lucky to still have him. Watch that sneaky bastard Suarez trap Izzy’s arm before dropping to the ground. It’s NOT unusual for players to have an arm across an opponent; it’s fucking cheating to trap that arm and drop like the fucking arsehole he is. Just wish Brendan hadn’t helped him but helped everyone else by leaving the horrid little cunt out to dry. AGGGHHHHH!!
HH

Funkyy
7 years ago
Reply to  jebus

jebus..watch the incident again. Suarez has his left arm behind him holding,/tugging Izzy’s shirt, and he has his other armtight against Izzy’s other arm trapping it against his (Suarez’s) body making it look like he’s being held…then he does the jerk and dive pulling Izzy with him to complete his trick. The ref bought it..as usual.
Suarez is a world class striker, but he’s also a world class stinker. He wrote the book on cheating..aka “drawing the foul” an expression created by modern day commentators ‘cos they daren’t tell the truth and use words like “cheating bastard”.
So don’t be too hard on our player, he got conned by a master con-man who intended to go to ground yards before he even entered the area.
Although we’re out of Europe, the experience gained by our players will be invaluable for next year’s qualification campaign, and I really feel confident that we’ll not have any “Red Imps” results like we had this year. HH and well done Celtic…now roll on Sunday and sheep shearing time.

Level 5 plant
7 years ago

Great effort from all,but when is Tom Rogic going to be able to play for 90 minutes? Neymar is a dick!

Iljas Baker
7 years ago
Reply to  Level 5 plant

I saw Rogic play in the 2-2 draw with Thailand. The usual weaknesses were apparent. He has some really nice touches but he loses possession a lot and his shooting can be extremely wayward. I can’t see him getting these things out of his system but hope he can.

The Charlie Saiz International
7 years ago

Barcelona have always had that side to their game.
In all the games I have seen them play they deploy the same tactics every time.
Dominate possession,press teams high allover the Park and retain possession as quickly as they can?
When a team breaks or counters they tend to foul them to berak up the play and rhythm.
It’s seldom a bad or late challenge but more a sleekit pull or trip this way the refs just keep letting them away with it.
It’s premeditated,cynical,calculated and has worked for them for years.
It seldom get’s brought up or mentioned as commentators tend to be too busy lavishing praise on the all conquering super heroes of Barca.
I personally would like to see refs clap down on it but I doubt this will be the case?
It might not be as brutal or in yer face as kicking people allover the park ala Motherwell when we play them but it is just as effective at nullifying anything we are trying too achieve.
I don’t get Barca fanboy shit never have.

BondiBrian
7 years ago

BOOM ! Well said CS.

CarlJungleBhoy
7 years ago

Great stuff Ralph! Pleased to see so many realistic & positive comments… I thought McGregor did OK-ish – in patches. Brendan obviously felt we need another midfielder who can pass & link up play, but at this level, he also needs to be able to take his chances – The one last night wasn’t as big a sitter as against BMG, or even Dembele’s missed header- but, if either of those had gone in, the outcome – in the match & in Europe in general -could well have been different.

Overall, bearing in mind the quality in our group* , the progress made in the 6 months Brendan’s been in charge has been remarkable.

* I can’t help thinking that if we’d been in a different group – e.g. Leicester’s, we’d be – at the very least- still in Europe in the new year

The Charlie Saiz International
7 years ago
Reply to  CarlJungleBhoy

Spot on Leicester had a very easy Group by comparison.

Monti
7 years ago

P
I
S
H

elcormaco
7 years ago

We competed, Barcelona always looked they could go up a gear if required, but we troubled them from time to time, Dembeleโ€™s header being a genuine, actual chance.

For whatever reason Neymar seems to want to be the pantomime villain when he comes to Celtic, and his assault on Lustig was insane. As was Lustig getting booked for it.

Some saying it wasnโ€™t a penalty, sorry I think it was, Suarez was too clever for Izzy, bought it for sure but it was enough of a foul

Armstrong is energetic enough, but his passing and decision making on the ball need to be better

Mc Gregor was okay, thought he was neat enough but as Sutton says, lacks the legs to make a bigger impact

Simo was very good, read the game well and made several very good interceptions when Barca were trying their high speed triangles around the box

And Scott Brown. I thought he was a man possessed in the first half, absolutely everywhere and finding time on the ball where other Celtic players were panicked.

My only disappointment was the times when I felt we could have been braver in trying the forward pass and went backwards instead, but overall the performances showed development, a style of play and real commitment from the players.

Football is unpredictable and who knows what next season could bring, but if we continue on this trajectory we will be in a position to qualify and compete even better next year, and given where we were a year ago โ€“ winless in the Europa league โ€“ then thatโ€™s real progress. HH

jas
7 years ago

The pic you publish was not before the game but the end (clue being he score on screen), IMO McGregor was awful, when he had that clear sight of goal he shat it, as he did v Killie, as he did v Borrusia. Izzys was a wee bit naive at the penalty but Bugs Bunny was practically pulling Izzys arm out his socket to make it look like he was holding, cheating buck toothed Uruguayan
wee fckr. I’ve went right off Lustig recently, way too one footed and I’ve seen milk turn faster. It was a passable performance but hopefully that’s the last Barca love in we see at CP, next time show them fck all respect or welcome and get intae them from minute one.

Admin
7 years ago
Reply to  jas

McGregor shat it?

yeah because taking the ball forward and turning a barca player is shiteing it, then he had to face 2 while Dembele took an age to try and find space.
I thought McGregor did well to even get a shot off.

People on here seem to think hes meant to be the next Lubo rather than just a decent enoughguy trying his best!

The wee guy is what he is and does his very best. No one can ask any more.

Im sure he knows he is gonna be a squad player, as he is now, if he is lucky in the next year of so of Celtics progress but he sure has a mountain of criticism to climb.

Last year we were chronic and this year we have made some progress but already seems some fans need a reality check, we are a good 3-4 years of being a really good team, and a good 18 months of even being a good team.

A few more transfer windows should help raise any quality concerns but transfers and big names don’t always work out as expected either.

I assume Mcgregor is the new scapegoat now wee Jamesie shaken that label off.

bgbhoy
7 years ago
Reply to  Desi Mond

desi watch the game again, partcularly the first half, brown just about takes mcgregors head off for not moving into space for a pass, far too many times he hid away from play…

im not going to start abusing the boy ala james forrest hair but to me he is not cut out for this level…

Joe
7 years ago
Reply to  Desi Mond

Agreed – don’t really know how you can get an admittedly tame shot on target from 20 yards and say that he ‘shat it’.

Brian (not the messiah)
7 years ago
Reply to  Desi Mond

Interestingly enough the Barca fans I have talked to today all believe that Celtic have good players and when I asked them to name them they said Dembele, Brown and wait for it, mcgregor. I was suprised but thought he did well and it’s easy to criticize him whereas I thought Dembele was poor last night apart from the shot. Is mcgregor the new efe?

el_guapo
7 years ago

Apart from Neymar I didn’t think there was too much to moan about in terms of bad sportsmanship last night. Both teams committed cynical fouls but there was nothing that nasty. The penalty was played for but it was a foul by Izzy. I just wish we had somebody with the slightly sneaky intelligence Suarez showed there.
We done well enough but need more quality in the final third to really have a hope of beating teams like Barca. They won’t win it either unless they can keep Iniesta fit because their midfield isn’t great without him.

Brian (not the messiah)
7 years ago
Reply to  el_guapo

Totally agree about iniesta

Monti
7 years ago

Forrest showed when he came on last night why he should have started the game.
I think Brendan got that one wrong, Mcgregor isn’t powerful enough to hurt the best sides.
There was one or two occasions when we found ourselves in good offensive positions, but McGregor didn’t have the legs to power past the defenders.
This was glaringly obvious.

Bob
7 years ago
Reply to  Monti

P
I
S
H.

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  Bob

Bob the hun spunk moped…….

john young
7 years ago

Desimond it took McGregor about 4 touches to decide what to do,you do not get 2 touches at the top level,it was asimple straight ball to him that required 1 touch then shoot,he was thw proverbial “rabbit in the headlamp”,how long has he been playing?yet still can,t do the simple things quickly concisely and we are still thinking that he might come goodffs,Rogic needs the time on the ball that only the SPL will afford you,he,s not going to do,Armstrong is a typical SPL level player all huff n puff with no real impact,ditto everyones favourite nearly man Jamesie,you know what I mean Jamesie skins the full back again and nearly delivers a good ball ffs,Dembele has absolutely no support no one that can put proper balls into him,we will see the benefit inmo if we get a proper couple of mid-fielders.

Admin
7 years ago
Reply to  john young

The effort of McGregor may be way beyond his skill levels but the “get him aff” brigade should be thankful the guys giving his all, we’ve seen enough players in hoops who haven’t over the years.

The Celtic side in 18 months will be extremely different providing we hold onto Brendan Rodgers. Broony im the Mascherano role perhaps?

If BR sees the merits in putting on the industrious and limited McGregor then fine by me.

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  Desi Mond

Desi,
We ” should be thankful “?
He isn’t good enough for CL football ffs!

McGregor is a player i’ve defended in the past and i still believe he can contribute in domestic football.

Forrest should have started the game!

Bob
7 years ago
Reply to  Monti

P
I
S
H

henkesdreadlocks
7 years ago
Reply to  john young

You tgalk shit.

7 years ago

Easy for you to say!

maryhillbhoy
7 years ago
Reply to  Desimond

Yes but hard to spell

The Charlie Saiz International
7 years ago
Reply to  maryhillbhoy

๐Ÿ˜‰

henkesdreadlocks
7 years ago
Reply to  Desimond

What, have you never tgalked? It happens when you realise you’ve made an arse of it and try to stop the post, as the feeling of helplessness and embarrassment wash over you.

Monti
7 years ago

Henke,
I agree ๐Ÿ™‚

Doc
7 years ago

We got the improved performance and played quite well in spells, the effort was there from the players. In lieu of Desi’s ratings, i’ll do my own:

Dembele 6 – Held it up well at times but failed to take his chances
Brown 7 – Played very well again, led by example, our best player again.
Rogic 6 – Was good on the ball but i would like to see him getting more involved.
Sinclair 6 – Some good dribbling but doesn’t link with Izzy as well as he does with KT.
Armstrong 5 – Really tried, good movement but too many passes went astray.
McGregor 5 – Same as above, shows why we’re looking to bolster the midfield.
Izzy 5 – Some good passes, some shockers, same with his defending.
Lustig 6 – Maybe not his usual high standard but done well enough.
Erik 5 – Done a decent job, fortunate Barca missed a few, needs to pick up runners.
Jozo 5 – Same as Erik, missed too many headers and too many lost runners.
Gordon 7 – Uunsure about the goal but he made a wonder save

Some real scummy play from Barca, the ref was doing whatever Messi asked, we’re lucky he didn’t ask for a three goal head start. Suarez antics was just a huge ‘fuck you’ to Rodgers, if there was a ‘special relationship’ then it was one sided, Izzy should have dealt with him better, he has a temper and lashes out and Izzy should be pushing his buttons. Finally, Naemark, what a total and utter lowlife scumbag, Lustig should have ‘dealt with’ him big time, if he tries that in the juniors then he’s leaving in an ambulance. We need to be more combative in dealing with cheating wee pricks like him, yesterdays diary said we need the fight of players like Auld and Aitken, what would they have done? Someone should have done him, taken the three match ban and put pins in his legs for months.

Doc
7 years ago
Reply to  Doc

Forgot the subs:

Forest 6 – good impact but Barca seemed to figure him out as the game went on.
Biton 5 – Some good passing but out of his depth defensively.
Roberts 6 – Held the ball up well, Barca stood off him, needed more options around him.
MOTM – Mascherano – didn’t put a foot wrong, might not get the glory but proved almost impossible to play against.

Monti
7 years ago

BREAKING NEWS:
Police Scotland are seeking help from the public, after an ageing, white haired man with a big nose , was seen leaving the top window of ‘ house of Bruar ‘ with assorted corduroy and Harris tweed clothing.

Ken.
The public have been asked not to approach this individual.
Ken.

mike
7 years ago

OMG Pensionerbhoy,what have you done,
climbing in windas,shinnin up the roan,
if you get caught yer on yer oan.
He,he, cheeky auld sod,
run like hell,watch oot for plod.
Well it is Christmas soon,
naebody here wi a sillir spoon,
he histy get a present for his beutiful misses,
if he disny,then its nae mair luv. and kisses.
Bags me some corduroy breeks.
Going cheap ยฃ10 pund a pair.

mike
7 years ago

Interesting comments about yesterdays game.
Messi imho. is the greatest ever fitba. player period,we are very lucky to have seen him play.
When he retires the fitba. World will be the loser,so will Barca.How can you replace a player like that,unless young Karamoke Dembelle or someone like him,takes up the mantle.
Since Brendan came in,our players have all improved,but he will suggest that the squad is a work in progress,i am certain that in either the January or Summer window,he will bring in new midfield talent.
Nobody last night let the Tic. down in any way,you can only play with the players you have and praise them,for to be negative will only reduce there confidence.

Monti
7 years ago

Gordon-7
Lustig-7 would have been 10 if he knocked Neymar out.
Sviatchenko-8
Simunoviv-8
Izaguirre-7

Sinclair-7
Brown-8
Armstrong-7
McGregor-5
Rogic-6

Dembele-7

Ambrose-0
Boyata-0

Deila-out!

Vinnie
7 years ago

Great Diary, very positive re the performance. The Bhoys deserve a huge amount of credit and I’ve no complaints about any of them. Had we scored in the early assault on Barca in the 1st 10 minutes of the 2nd half (or indeed anytime before or even after that) I’d have really fancied our chances. As luck had it, that sneaky bastard Suarez mugged Izzy as your excellent pic shows. I thought the Ref was really above average for most of the game but should have booked that piece of shit, Neymar, for his antics on leaving the playing area when he was subbed; it was warranted and would’ve put them a man down with enough time to maybe count.
Anyway, well done ye Bhoys in Green, you’ve shown you’re up for the cause and let’s just take silverware on Sunday.
A local farmer tells me that sheep actually enjoy being shafted, so let’s help them ‘sheep’ enjoy their day out in Scotland’s real capital on Sunday.
HH

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  Vinnie

“real capital”?

Really?

Cartvale88
7 years ago

Loved Lustig winding Neybrains up, especially as he was subbed. Overall we were on a hiding to nothing last night. Pity that we could not have brough Leigh on he could have caused panic.
Loved the atmosphere, pity it’s the last for a while. Hopefully we bring in a quality midfield player that can hold the ball up, we lack that ability.
Jordan Alba’s tackle on Sinclair was cynical in the extreme, a lot of Barca play last night was bordering on the cheating, thought the referee was a Catalan arse licker.
Any ways onto the sheepies, another game to savour, although this time on BT.
Fans to die for, what a joy it must be to play in front of them.

Stiofan
7 years ago

I haven’t posted for a while – felt I had to comment on a great summary of last nights game. Watched on tv and was appalled by Messi demanding a a card for Sviatchenko Only thing I would contend was I thought Messi was Argentinian for little prick! UFB

buckie1967
7 years ago

No one has said about the penalty ? Do you think we would have got it if one of our players had done it and i thought we should have had a penalty with dembelle just near the end, the guy clipped him when going between two players.
Also we showed our naivety when Lustig gets thumped in back by that wee arsehole he should have been rolling about as if he had been shot have said it for years against foreign teams when you get hit stay down do a couple of rolls and scream, it’s happened to us for years.

jimmybee
7 years ago

Any word on the promised meeting this week with the Res 12 guys ?

Monti
7 years ago

Any news on Scott Sinclair?

jimmybee
7 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Nothing yet M8 but to be honest with Paddy and Jamesy we are well covered I think. Griff hopefully will also be back.

jimmybee
7 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Out for a month m8

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

๐Ÿ™

jimmybee
7 years ago

Cup final team
Gordon
Lustig Eric Jose Izzy
Brown Bitton.
Forrest Armstrong Roberts
Dembele
Subs
Rogic Griff Gamboa Goalie Henderson McGregor Toure.
HH

portpower
7 years ago

sevconian open and transparent AGM:

Yoo,oot noo!

comment image

sevco I`m a blooegers FC.

jimmybee
7 years ago
Reply to  portpower

Is that the barman at Malones when he hears the etims are in .

rebus67
7 years ago

On Callum McGregor or Gregor McCallum.

I find it hard to assess him. Firstly, he is asked to perform a task that does not generate a lot of glory….simply move the ball on, hopefully into forward position; track back to protect the full back. If he does that he is doing his job, no more, no less.

He is certainly a much improved player from when he came into the first team. Then he was a one trick pony… cutting in from the wing a shooting at the bottom corner of the goal. Once the opposition figured out that was his thing, they simply pushed him horizontally across the park and eliminated good goal scoring chances. He had little else to offer at that stage but retained his position because he was seen as the realisation of RD’s ability to develop youth players.

Now he has a lot more to his game but I am still not convinced that he brings much to the team.

My biggest beef is that on three occasions he has been one on one with the keeper and missed every time. I am thinking of last night vs Barca, vs Killie and vs MG. These were all crucial misses in terms of the stage of each game. I think there is also another recent game that he did the same thing….was it MC? Now every player misses on occasion, and sometimes at crucial points in a game, but CM has done it consistently now over a range of games. This is the little bit extra quality that we need in order to progress in Europe. OK, you are saying others missed opportunities as well…noteworthy Dembele and Sinclair over a few games. However, both of them have also won games for us. CM has no such claim recently. We need someone in there that can contribute some goals. Consequently, CM has to improve or be replaced. He will, however, still have a good future in the game, just not with us.

Rebus

portpower
7 years ago
Reply to  rebus67

Rebus,

if young McGregor lines up on Sunday put him down for the first goal, poached.

Sinclair during the season`ll start to read it.

wulz
7 years ago

Portpower
Lol that’s well funny
HH

jimmybee
7 years ago

Monti Sinclair out for a month m8

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

Just read that m8, sore one but we have two excellent players in Forrest and Roberts to come in.

Gordon

Lustig
Sviatchenko
Simunovic
Izaguirre

Forrest
Brown
Armstrong
Rogic

Griffiths

Dembele

portpower
7 years ago

sevco to revamp…

An ignoble stake outwith our Megastore.

sevco replica FC.

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