After coping magnificently well with Milan for eighty minutes, a cruel deflection and a dodgy free kick saw Celtic crash 2-0 to the Rossoneri in last nights Champions League opener.
It could have, and should have been, much, much better.
Too many passes fell short, too many wrong decisions in the final third, and above all, a surprising failure to make anything, even a shot or header on target , from nine corners.
When Kris Commons fed Scott Brown, it was just slightly behind him, allowing de Jong to make the saving tackle, when Adam Matthews continually chose to go around the left back, who was quick, but not as quick as Matthews, he ran out of space, but, bafflingly, he never cut inside once.
Samaras choosing to shoot rather than pass to Commons…I could go on forever, and probably will, but that was certainly three points lost last night.
Both sides were fairly timid throughout the game, no-one wanted to lose rather than wanting to win, and it showed every time Efe Ambrose ( and a few others ) ran straight at the Italians, who retreated en masse allowing him to gain ground, but preventing any real damage.
Milan certainly set out not to lose, Celtic would have been happy with a point, and thats how it seemed to be going until Izzaguerre stuck out a foot to turn a wayward shot behind Forster, who does seem to struggle with low shots.
If you look at that goal again, take note of Mario Balotelli, writhing in agony at the other side of the area. He was determined to get himself an advantage, and when he annoyed Scott Brown enough, the Celt took the bait and conceded a needless free kick. Forster saved tremendously, but the defence were slow to react, and Milan were two up.
Nine corners, one shot on target. Thats why we got beat.
If there is one consolation, Barcelona hammered Ajax 4-0, and it showed that they will probably dominate the group. The two wealthy clubs look like they will qualify, while the feeder clubs will battle for a Europa place.
Thats depressing.
Scott Brown, speaking after the game, thought Celtic were the better team;
“We played really well and created a lot of chances,” he said. “Overall I felt we were probably the better team.
“They got the lucky break and we were always going to try and push forward (and that allowed them to get the second).
“Was I surprised by how much possession we had? Not in the slightest. We knew we were going to get possession. We know we are a good team. We gave just as good as we got.”
Milan defender Phillipe Mexes saw it differently;
“I don’t think we suffered that much to be honest. We controlled the game well and finally managed to score in the final minutes,”
“I don’t think Celtic had so many opportunities – they had a couple of shots on goal but they really didn’t trouble us. We controlled the game and finally scored when we had the chance. ”
Celtic boss Neil Lennon summed it up best, with the last line in this quote;
“It heightens the disappointment, that we played so well against Milan. The performance was of a high standard.
“We didn’t hang on, there wasn’t wave after wave of Milan attacks, we took the game to Milan.
“I thought we were the better team, playing the better football.
“I can’t fault any of the individuals, but it is a little bit sore at the minute.”
And he did encapsulate how we all felt with this;
“I am bitterly disappointed because for long periods of the game we were the better team, to come away from the San Siro, [disappointed] not to have picked up a point or three points, is a mark of how well we have developed and how well we played tonight.
“We have Barcelona next and they are a different animal. But we are here to qualify and nothing changes my view after that performance. The scoreline flattered Milan, I don’t think there was two goals between the teams. We dominated from 20 minutes on in the first half, until 10 minutes from the end of second. Apart from the Muntari chance, my goalkeeper had nothing to do the second half, we restricted them to long-range shots and we played really good football. There were no failures.”
No-one let us down, but there wasn’t that wee bit extra needed at this level. It just didn’t happen, or perhaps more accurately, no-one made it happen.
But , although we feel massively disappointed today, take heart from this, from the “Bleacher report “, which is how others see us…
” Celtic managed to outshine the home side. Just as they did with a run to the knockout rounds last year, Celtic have the ability to make it out of this group despite the early setback. ”
Actually, that doesn’t make me feel any better. No, not at all.
That picture does, though. It seems the support were making friends in Milan, and everyone had a good time.
This from “Sport Witness ”
Of course, there’s alcohol involved but the fans appear to be causing no trouble and the local media is more impressed by them than terrified. National newspaper La Repubblica mistakenly calls the club Irish as they seem to have been influenced by the number of flags on display in the city’s main square outside the cathedral.
Ach, thats something I suppose. No, changed my mind, makes me feel even worse because I didn’t go and at least get a good trip out of it.
Tell you what, I’m going to be wonderful company today.
So far this week, Celtic got beat, I’ve had to quit smoking , change my Scottish cholestorol based diet, ( you know the one, where you clean the frying pan with two slices of bread ) and have now done three months off the drink.
A report from Oxford University says that one in ten deaths are caused by eating red meat. So, therefore the other nine are caused by eating fruit and vegetables.
No wonder I’m miserable. I’m going to order some tickets to see comedian ( aye, right, ) Michael McIntyre. Then, when they arrive, I can cheer myself up by throwing them in the bin.
A reply from Pensionerbhoy gave a fully correct description of how the four pictures in yesterdays diary led to Shunsuke Nakamura, and we’d like to ask whoever has his computer to give it back now.
Just kidding , of course.
They can keep it.
An excellent answer, though, joking apart. I really didn’t think anyone knew what a Shun knife was.
Today, dwell upon these images…
Thats quite a difficult one. Because I’m in a bad mood.
The first bit is the crest of the Fraser Clan, so it must be Fraser Beech
Its Clan Fraser and Forster Beaches so Im thinking its a player who was a fan of actors Ronnie Fraser and the movies of Bette Midler, am I close?
DamnYouGoogle CSC
Desi
I am very suspicious you just pretend. Either that or you need your imagination seen to :).
H H
Ahoy there! – Teemu Pukki?
Fraser Ruddock?
It all comes down to decision making at this level!
Ambrose reminds me Basil Boli with his headless fruitless runs.
Had a chance to slip Boeringger clear down the right with acres of space to cut in but chose to run at 3 Milan players????
Samaras wasn’t cutting, too often he chooses not to pass.
Excellent against poorer teams but at this level you need team players, not selfishness
I said just before half time Celtic would lose this 1-0. It had glorious failure written all over it. Could see it a mile off
Lennon also needs to develop a ruthless streak.
I know I prob shouldn’t mention him on here as a market but I remember Advocaat subbin Amato after only being on the field
for 10 mins (as a sub) when he chose to shoot instead of square it for a team mate to score an open goal.
Keeping an unproductive, selfish Samaras on for do long was futile.
If you really want to gauge the performance check the Foitball Italian match report. Not pretty
Thinks. Hmmn. So. This lady had an affair with Harold Pinter. Then he went to his HOUSE, sort OF. Then he went to Gloucester in a shower of rain?. Then he stepped in a puddle right up to his middle,and never went there again? Who could it be?
Aha. Doctor Jo! Sandy somebody? Temmu Pukki?
Carl
50,000 volts? YES, now, doctor!
H H
Antlery Stokes?
mELKy McKay?
Deerek Whyte?
Deerk Boerrigter?
Stagian Petrov?
On loan midfielder Jackson Cervine? – NURSE!
Hmmn. Dearie me. Tough this. Je Suis is “I Am” in French. Prest? Je ne sais quoi. Urm. If that is indeed Forsters Beach than base don the directon of the sun in that pic, it must be the north end of it. So..
Eh? Did somebody called LIam PRESTon-NorthEnd play for Sellic?
Carl
My gun is loaded – but don’t tell the wife.
H H
Fraser Four-star
keddaw
I was going there but refused to pay the price. When that other guy has my computer, the answers are a doddle.
Of course, it could simply be Sandy Fraser and Ralph wrote it backwards.
H H
Is that foster in nsw oz? Then frazer fostter.
A Clan, rooted in the past and still living off some distant claim that it once did great things. A holiday at the seaside which promised so much in the beginning but ended up a bit of a disappointment.
Definitely Fraser Forster
Brisbane
That explanation deserves the Pulitzer. I take it you are not an FF fan? Or are you simply a genius? 🙂
H H
I think you know the answer to that one big man….
Last night was definitely 3 points lost, although we had plenty of the play we created very little, i think milan were happy to allow Celtic to stroke the ball along our back 4 and midfield because they new they could quite easily handle our frontline, once again izzy didn’t do enough, and it drives me absolutely crazy when i see so many piss poor set-piece deliveries and piss poor crosses into the box by both our fullbacks, lenny seriously has to put a hell of alot more time on the training ground into this issue. The only real positive i took from last night was our centerhalfs looked like a partnership, but we seriously need a left back, izzy is always one kick of the ball away from a disaster, and in Europe that could cost us millions. Hail hail, COYBIG
keighley
Lenny might as well cancel all the plane tickets right now then. From what you say, we stand a better chance not turning up to the other games with this non team. What did you think of the coach driver? I heard he kept missing the turn-offs. 🙂
In all honesty, it is hard to disagree with what you say. I still have hope though. Mind you, I threw faith and charity in the bin last night. The three of us were having a roaring time to begin with too.
H H
Ralph
I was depressed after last night. After reading the diary, I am f***ng suicidal. And you could not even give me credit. You would think we were in a recession or something.
I will give you brownie points for the lack of goals scenario. It has been a long term disease, as far I am concerned. I have had a gut feeling, and that is rarely good given MY diet and extensive stomach, that the constant misses in domestic tournaments would have a fatal consequence in Europe. I am now off to exercise and get truly gutted.
I don’t know about the rest on here but I am keeping my multiple chins well up. After all the fat lady in the Amsterdam window will have to do more than sing for her money.
Quiz: I bow to the speed and imagination of the superior intelligence of youth. Well done keddaw!
H H
Ouch , deffo a sair wan last night.
I still think I would prefer to finish 3rd rather than second. Chelsea got more co-efficient points from winning the Europa League after finishing 3rd in their CL group than any other team in Europe last year.
Now I am not saying we could win it but more coefficient points could eventually mean a pot 3 place.
I am also fed up with Milan – they seem to be the luckiest team in Europe- more than any other team I would love to beat them – I think 6 or 7 points this year at best (Ajax & Milan victories at home and Ajax point away ).
Sadly can’t see anything from the Barca games but you never know.
Ralph you do you can deep fry vegetables don’t you? I think they call it a balanced diet.
San
UEFA system is purely for money laundering through the “arranged” progress of the “big” clubs. I am afraid we are not in that league and to them ’67 was blip in there strategy. But, who cares. The world of real football, players and fans, recognise who and what we are. WE ARE THE GREATEST! In our minds we may be even greater than that. It is what I feel in MY heart that matters to me. The suits round the swish dining tables are dross in my eyes and not even worth the burning. It still doesn’t stop the pain sometimes, but what the hell “Top of the world, ma!”
H H
LUCIAN BUTE though he’s a shite fitba player he’s a knockout with the lady boys of the Argyle coastal resorts …
As for the game I feel a massive opportunity was lost last night to take 3 easy points from a second string AC Milan side who looked more than content to sit back and claim a point at home against a relatively toothless Celtic attack.
Anthony Stokes is a decent enough striker in the SPL but for me he simply does not have the ability to play as lead striker at European level..supporting striker in a pairing yes but on his own?
No chance.
Pukki may well come good in that department but I fear we will not see that transpire in this years Group Phase I feel he will nedd a few months to really start to connect with the side at this level..if he ever will that is.
Balde?Well my only hope for him is he can connect and cut it at SPFL level this Season so that leads me to my main point…
Lennon has been let down by the board I feel this window.
To offload HOOPER (a £5m striker every day of the week) Lassad and Miku and replace with Balde “a work in progress” and Pukki whilst shipping Watt out on loan is tantamount to lunacy in my opinion.
Last night proved it Stokes whilst putting a hardworking shift in did very little to produce a guilt edged chance against half a Milan defence.
I fear we will create fook all against Barca now with Stokes up front.
Finnbogason should have been signned and Watt should have been retained IMO.
I fear the worst now if last night is anything to go by.
2LUCIAN BUTE though he’s a shite fitba player he’s a knockout with the lady boys of the Argyle coastal resorts …”
I take it you have actual proof, Charlie? 🙂
H H
Yes there are lodges allover Argyle “heaving” with man love of the fannybaws kind PB.
They refer to this phenomena as being “black baw’d”
Charlie
Just been doing a bite to eat for the wife. The way she eats, Argyle gets more attractive by the minute.
H H
I see the authorities may want to play the pawn shop final at Celtic park if the zombies get to the final,the board should tell them to G T F ,we don’t need or want their money,and I can’t afford the disinfectant to clean my seat at the following home game
DeidHeid,
There is no way that can possibly be allowed to happen. Can u imagine for a second the chaos and mess that would be left?
Unless we tell Bashar al-Assad that there is a load of shit-stirring Syrian rebels (I’m sure the buns would like being called that) holding a rally in Parkhead that night…..
deadhead
Aye, I wonder if they will be so vociferous about the damage after that one. They were quick enough to jump on their own.
H H
Gutted after last night, but maybe not quite at the level of joining Ralph in a darkened silent room. We will NEVER get a better chance than last night to take something from the San Siro, especially against as poor a Milan team as I can remember.
In terms of possession retention last night was arguably our best ever away performance in the CL, mainly due to Milan being happy to let us play kickabout, but our deficencies in the final 3rd were yet again laid bare for all to see. The quality of the (non-existent) crosses ans setpiece deliveries into the box was a particular bugbear. Why is 6ft3 Mulgrew taking corners and not in the box when Commons is on the park?
I’m not completely despondent but last night was a huge opportunity spurned. Now we only have the small task of beating Barca again and wondering what all the fuss was about.
My ‘lasagne’ is not tasting too good this morning.
Sick and tired of the same three idiots costing us. It must break the hearts of other players to play with Mulgrew,Brown and Samaras. It’s time they told ‘lenny’ they don’t want those three arseholes in the team every week, ruining all the good work they do. Samaras was awful last night but a special word for Scott Brown, captain numbnuts who has been atrocious this season but seems to get 9/10 every game in the papers. His off the ball free kick he gave away last night typifies everything this simpleton is all about. To have him as captain and Samaras or Mulgrew as vice captains is why we’ll never improve under ‘lenny’. Until he bins those three d*ckheads it’s always gonna be glorious failures.
bogbhoy
Peace! The world is not actually going to end 🙂 Apocalypse Now happened at another time in another place. Better glorious failure than disgraced success.
H H
The world is over my friend lol. Really pissed off just, especially when hungover. Just tired of hoping we can do it and the three aforementioned letting us down every time. HH
bogbhoy
I know, son. I have had decades of the same. But hey, I’m still here – half died, mind.
Just smile and a passing Celtic fan will shoot you 🙂
H H
Depressed? Moi? (silenty slits wrists in darkened room). We lost a real chance to take 3 away points which wouldve been a massive step towards a real chance at the last 16 again. Sick as the proverbial psittacine we r. aaaarrrrrrrghhhhhhhhhh.
(NB: Nevermind it’s #TalkLikeAPirateDay)
Pensionerbhoy, I don’t want to come across all defeatist after last night’s game on still confident we will be in Europe after Christmas, but Celtic and lenny are still guilty of making the same mistakes, some of them school boy ones at that,the lone striker roll is v difficult to play and neither stokes or Sammie are up to it yet lenny persists,izzy still a v weak player and if mulgrew has to play for set piece proposes then play him at left back,and once again I thought a change to personnel and tactics should have happened much sooner as Milans tactics were very clear. hail hail. KTF
OMG!!! How many times are we going tae lose goals from set-pieces???? What the f**k are they doing on the trainning ground??? And why does Lenny keep on playing that shite called “ZONAL MARKING”??? For second goal 5 Milan players in for rebound, only 1 Celt..and as has already been mentioned, Samaras is pish, Izzaguirre Clueless, and if Mathews could cross a baw, he’d be worth £10m..Yes and i also agree Broon never ever Captain material..simply does NOT lead by example.
There… I feel slightly better noo..
H H
Another point about last nights match, why was Balde on the bench? There was no circumstance at all under which ‘lenny’ would’ve brought him on unless of course he changed his name to mulgrew.samaras or brown. Milan were poor last night and we missed a huge chance to punish em. We came away with nothing due to ‘lennys’ defensive and ill judged tactics.
I thought Ralph’s summary an accurate reflection of the game last night. Scott Brown was excellent as was Charlie Mulgrew but I’m not a big fan of Samaras.
But why don’t one footed players become two footed players it would improve them immensely. Otherwise they become too predictable and like Matthews can easily be forced in to running out of space. Brown misses good shooting opportunities and so does commons because they are one footed. It’s as if a tennis player can’t use the backhand.
Isn’t simply a matter of hard work?
Celtic ran out of steam before Milan last night. I thought I saw Ballotelli and company smell blood after the first goal and they started to really run at them and it paid off.
scott brown was awful last night. I’ve no idea what match you were watching. He was a disgrace to the jersey, only interested in running around pretending to kick ppl to make up for his lack of ability. How ppl don’t see this is beyond me. His off the ball free kick was just mind blowingly stupid, if it was anyone else they’d be hammered for it but not broonie, the simpleton who can’t reliably make a five yard pass.
Iljas
“But why don’t one footed players become two footed players it would improve them immensely”
Willie Fernie spent a lifetime praying for that. He did all right with the one exceptional good leg, mind.
H H
Had we signed Finnbogason I think the result may have been a bit different last night that game was set up for a player like him Stokes was out of his depth last night.
I dont think either Mulgrew or Brown did a particularly good job shutting down Muntari or Matri and I felt Samaras was a bit lazy getting back to help Izzy out as they doubled up on his side.
Totally agree on the Mulgrew issue on the corners why is Commons not slinging them in?
The sale of Wnayama and Hooper bit us totally on the arse last night let’s not kid ourselves here we are weaker now as a squad than we finshed the Cl Last Season.
We should have went for better quality in the key areas a free from Aberden is not a replacement for Wanyama and a second choice striker from Shalke is not the answer for Hooper 2 weeks away from CL games.
Sure, the result was dissapointing last night after holding out so long in the San Siro against all the tricks and cynicism that one of Italy’s top teams can produce plus that lunatic Balotellitrying every trick in the book, other than play football. If anybody is in any doubt about Celtics performance(I thought that most of the team gave their all, other than Samaras) then the very muted response of the home support, until the 1st goal(no doubt everybody is aware that it was an unfortunate deflaction off Izzaguirre, who had a good game imho, and not an A.C. Milan goal)
Samsras is back in his couldn’t care less mode, no doubt thinking he is heading for Brasil next year, so he doesn’t have to bother anymore on the CL scene, and after Saturdays performance, he’s given up performing on the domestic scene. he was a complete waste of space last night, no intention of playing as part of a team. Stokes also preferred glory instead of teamwork and passed up the chance of scoring by putting the ball into the side netting instead of passing to the player flying into the box and facing an unguarded net.
But personally, overall I was pleased with the performanceand can see the formation of a team that will be able tO compete in the C.L. and while not win it will improve every season against the best teams in Europe. Just got a feeling that the last 16 is beyond us this year, but the E.L. is a distinct possibility. Hail. Hail. G.B.N.L.
FGA
I hate you. Did no one ever tell you the truth or something near it, actually hurts? Well done! Very considered opinions.
H H
Fuck me, mow that was depressing. Get back on the tabs ya crabbit bastard!
One thing that did cheer me up last night was meeting one of my recent heroes and Hunskelper extraordinaire Chris Sutton… in a pub full of Milan fans in London’s west end. Nice guy singing “Over and Over” and answering any questions we had. Legend!
Must be something about a an ex-captains voice that when he shouts “SHUT THE FUCK UP” that the whole set of Milan fans did just that!
Maniche
For 80 minutes, I bet the queue for the lavy was busy.
H H
Also said to me “They are going to score sooon”
BOOM – 20 SECONDS LATER. Jonah!
Ralph
Get rid of the jokes. Your anger and bitterness have extracted 10 times more responses than normal. But I know you. You’ll change the successful tactics tomorrow again and play your same old worn out favourite formation. Where are you getting that from? 🙂
H H
Its a podcast recording tonight….
Anyone any points they would like discussed…anyone?…dont be shy now?
Speak up or forever haud yir wheesht
PS – Scott Brown in first half was MOTM by a mile.
Desi
Maybe this will be the essence of your programme anyway, given current events. But here goes anyway. A lot of people have been frustrated, even angered (the current diary vouches for that methinks) by last night’s result and performance. Personally, I think a lot of the reaction contradicts what was predicted beforehand, possibly by the same people. Prior to the nonsense from Milan about war casualties, the majority of us were prepared to simply enjoy another CL ride no mater where it took us. We even accepted the journey might not be very far this season given the special but extremely difficult group we were in. Was this based on the reality that we simply do not have and probably never will have the talent to seriously compete till the games’ distorted finances are addressed? Or do we really believe we have a chance but under-perform both on the field and in management tactics? Is there a third alternative, that we have the potential to achieve better but need to invest in every department, including management, to actually reach that stage? Or is it, as is most commonly the case, just us Celtic fans having a go at everything within sight just to try and ease the pain somewhat? If the last reason is the most probable, then there is a future. If not, where do or can we go?
Now, children, get out your microphones and discuss! 🙂
H H
Jeez that’s some grade a negativity. Gutted we lost but proud as anything of the cottage on the ball and composure we showed. We went toe to toe with Milan and looked like we are a champions league team. Remember home game v Benfica last year when we looked toothless and then came good? Keep the faith!
And Sammi and Brown no good? Sammi was quiet but still made himself a good chance and Brown was immense, according to bbc scotland last night he was elbowed I the face by Balotelli before he pushed him. Still shouldnt have done it but he was goaded.
We do need to improve crossing though, how many times did we get time and space on the right to put in a good cross and do nothing with it?
I’m putting a request of there too… I’ll be driving up and down for CL games from Manchester and have space in the car if anyone wants a lift / share petrol?elcormaco@gmail.com
Desi discuss why it is we let 5 Centre Forwards go in the window and brought 2 in as a replacement?
Hooper Lassad Miku Bangura Watt out the door
Balde and Pukki In the door.
Why we sold our Best Midfielder in years and replaced him at the last minute with “Potential” when we have McGeough and Kayal who can hardly get a game anyway?Surely punting one of them and replacing 67 with quality makes more sense if you are serious about Europe?
Desi – what about what is the best Cathedral or most picturesque square in Europe you have drunk your carry oot next to ?
Southbank Show CSC – Melvyn Bragg Wing
Izzy deflection all of a sudden he is a disaster waiting to happen no the disaster is in front of him big sammy watch for the first goal player got the the ball who’s in front of him but sammy who doesn’t go to shut the shot down 1down.
Brown gets an elbow in face puts his hands up to deflect the elbow and we see bag o nails hitting the deck again count how many times he did it whole game now it’s brown never celtic captain material gees piece. We are not euro savvy watch every team we play in Europe get a foul or touch against them down like a ton of bricks we have mulgrew getting a bad foul against him bounces up like a jack in the box stay down lad get a wee rest also gives your team mates a breather also gives refs a think as well how many yellow cards did we get and how many did Milan get.
As for Lennon his subs did us again in a big game stokes & sammy should have been off cause they were doing hee haw.
I can’t believe the level of negativity on here.
Milan allowed us the ball as long as we played in front of their back four. We never dominated them – 1 shot on target.
I’m delighted to be in the group stages, but I can easily envisage us getting no points in this campaign. We punched way above our weight last year and got lucky when it mattered.
We are where we are – Milan, Ajax & Barcelona were all seeded above us for a reason – they have much better players than we have – how many of the Celtic squad would get into any of the other 3’s team? Very few, if any I’d say.
I love the adventure of the CL. I love the excitement & the atmosphere. I’m going to enjoy this campaign just as I enjoyed last year’s campaign.
We need to accept that we are not one of the big teams in Europe and just enjoy the moment.
I honestly believe that we are progressing each season under NL – we shouldn’t expect too much more than that.
Lets stop the negativity and get right behind the team, win, lose or draw.
p.s. a couple of seasons ago we would have been dreading going to the San Siro – it shows how far we’ve progressed in that time that we feel let down for not getting a win or a draw.
I think we did fine in the San Siro given the team we have Andy l hwve no issue with the result personally.
ltalian sides are the past masters of playing sheidt and getting a result so no shock there for me it’s what they do.
Their fans applauded the result it’s all that concerns them.
I totally agree on the progression point you make though I fail to see how selling your 3 best players for over £20m and replacing them with inferior quality during your Champions League qualification amounts to progression?
Last Seasons team would have beaten Milan on Wednesday l believe given the state of Milan.
We let 5 strikers go out the door and brought 2 back in..one of whom is a work in progress’ aud the other a 4th choice striker from Shalke.
l enjoy the Journey of the Champions League too but I am not comfortable with the thought of just being there and getting gubbed every game pal.
l want more than that I want a team effort and a solid performance from all of those lucky enough to wear the top.
Several players under performed for me guys like Sammy and Commons who you expect a big input from simply didnt reach their own high standard.
Several over performed like Efe and Mathews and the rest did their best ..no shockers though so no complaints.
My hope is we earn 5 points from the remaining games by winning the home games v Milan and Ajax plusa draw in Holland that is not beyond our capability for me Ajax have been forced to sell some talent off and are not the force they were.
My other hope is Milan batter them home and away thus possibly giving us a wee crack at the Europa League after Christmas thus giving our new signings more games at this level for next Season.
For all the negative posts on here, i would much rather be in the Champions League group stage than be playing Queen of the South in the Ramsdens Cup.
Brown did do a fantastic job of closing down and being comfortable on the ball and even if he would have scored a hat-trick some people would still not be happy with him.
We did look a lot more comfortable away in Europe than i have seen in a long time but as has been mentioned before, the board do not seem to think that buying decent forwards is important. Again, how much did we make and how much did we spend in this transfer window. Same old story of spending just enough to scrape into group stages and thats as far as the ambition goes.
Overall, played some good football, even passing our way out of tight defensive positions when we would usually just hoof it back to the opposition, but toothless up front where it counts.
Hail Hail
Yep so would the Board …but for different reasons than you or I Ray.
The risk they took and the position they put Lenny in during this window was and still is a joke.
The profit they made by punting the spine of our team almost cost us qualification pal.
Had that effort been under instead of off the bar or had Mathews been a foot left or right of the one he cleared off the line we would be looking at a loss of over £16m in CL windfall not to mention a half empty Celtic Park for mostcof the Season as pissed off punters check the TV Times every Tues and Wed just like the bitter Ramadonians across the river.
Let us hope and pray that wee scenario does not happen again come next Summer and our board take some of the many millions made in the past 9 months and INVEST for next Season in January.
But as you say let us enjoy the ride meanwhile….