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Celtic Diary Wednesday July 21: The Best Laid Plans

 

Celtic drew their opening European qualifier with Midjjytlland last night.

1-1.

 

The Danes will be happier with the outcome than the hoops, with manager Ange Postecoglou sounding a little less happy than any of us;

 

“We will be better prepared no doubt, in eight days’ time,” 

“In fact I don’t think we will ever be as badly prepared as we were tonight and that’s on me, going into such an important game.

“We have eight more days I feel confident that the preparation and the spirit we have, we will put in a good performance.

“It is on me. I’m the manager of the football club. I’m the one that takes that responsibility of providing support for the players and staff. If things aren’t happening it’s on me to make them happen.

“I haven’t done a great job so far to be honest, because with the disruptions we’ve had, we haven’t been able to bring the players in.

“My role is to try and reinforce this squad and to try to prepare this squad for what is ahead, and to their credit, the players didn’t look for excuses tonight.

“They put in a solid shift, and I’m just disappointed they didn’t get the rewards for what I thought was an outstanding performance.”  

 

 

Now, sit down, because it was, in part, an outstanding performance.

 

The early part of the game was a joy to watch, as player after player began to see that playing the way the manager had showed them in training actually worked in real time.

 

When Liel Abada opened the scoring it was no more than he deserved, and it was a joy to see someone with predatory skills around the goal pounce on a loose ball to convert.

 

The goal, as they say, had been coming.

 

Sidieways football had been abandoned as the Celts pushed forward, on both flanks and in the middle, with pace, energy and importantly , quick thinking. Those in possession were looking to give, and those in space to receive.

 

The Danes were starting to wilt, and a proper thrashing looked on the cards.

 

If you’re honest with yourself, that would have crossed your mind at that point as well.

 

But then Nir Biton decided to poke someone in the eye, or at least make it look like he was going to poke someone in the eye. It’s what he does, when everything is ticking along nicely, up pops Nir and the team drop back into the doodoo again.

 

He has said sorry….

 

Image

 

The manager also sort of apologised for him;

 

Nir had already been booked and when you’ve been booked you have to be careful in your actions,” 

“When you infringe again, you give the opportunity to the referee to give you another caution.

“It’s disappointing for him more than anything, because he was really keen to put in a strong performance.

“He had started the game really well for us, so it’s disappointing for him that he misses the second game as well. 

 

It might be disappointing for him that he misses the next game, but it isn’t for the rest of us.

 

That does mean that the four who finished the first half, Ralston, Welsh, Murray and Taylor will probably start the return.

 

Whats been overlooked as fans queue up to roast keeper Vaskas Barkas, is that they played quite well as a unit, and the Danes equaliser came from a soft foul and can only be described as a wonder strike.

 

We got to feel how countless fans of countless teams felt when Nakamura or Moravcik did the same thing.

 

 

To blame Barkas for selling the jersey is ludicrous. He looked a lot better last night than at any time since joining Celtic.

 

And the team looked a lot better than it has in a long time, and it will only get better.

 

The players clearly enjoyed themselves with the new freedoms given to them in the ange style, even Ryan Christie put in a shift like he used to.

 

Even if he was heard to mumble “i’m not going to Brentford ” as he rediscovered his desire for the game.

 

 

Even John Kennedy nearly smiled….

 

Image

 

 

 

A week today the tie will be settled, and we’ve got a lot less to worry about than we think.

 

 

The media are well aware of the change in attitude and style, and they will have also heard the vibes coming from the ranch, which might explain this article, from the Sun…

 

 

RANGERS and Celtic sustained a combined operating loss of £40m during the Covid-hit 2019-20 season.

And the numbers for the season just past are almost certain to be even MORE devastating to the Scottish game when they are revealed.

 

 

So, er,  how much did Celtic lose ?

 

 

The Old Firm sustained major operating losses in 2019-20 - although Celtic were able to offset with player sales

 

 

Celtic lost £24.5 million pounds ?

 

 

Data compiled by The Swiss Ramble lays bare how challenging times have been and continue to be for all Scottish clubs.

And there is no greater way to illustrate it than the fact that the Hoops sustained a £24.5million operating loss even as they celebrated a historic ninth top flight title in a row.  

 

 

Scream GIFs | Tenor

 

The good news for the Hoops was that they managed to offset this operating loss with a £24.2m profit in playing sales – mainly through the departure of Kieran Tierney to Arsenal, which went though during this reporting period.  

 

Now, as far as i know, there are two types of money in business.

 

Money coming in, and money coming out.

 

Ideally, the former should be greater than the latter, but thats not always possible. however, losses can be absorbed when the greater picture is looked at.

 

So if the Hoops…..managed to offset this operating loss with a £24.2m profit in playing sales, then it isn’t a fucking loss then, is it ?

 

 

But the loss at Ibrox is, and that must be worrying for the media cheerleaders, who yet again have allowed Ibrox fans to be fleeced, and sooner or later lose another club.

 

I don’t know about you, but I’m enjoying this season already.

 

 

Groucho GIFs | Tenor

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mcklintop
2 years ago

Ralph I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume your comments are tongue in cheek. Barkas was beaten by a wonder strike? Excuse my french but my ar$e. It was a routine save. What he should have done was catch the ball and set us off on a counter attack. I suppose at least he could say he got us up to the half way line.

He is without doubt the worst goalkeeper we’ve ever had. If he starts another competitive game for us I’ll be astonished. We will win nothing with him in goal.

e.ralph
2 years ago
Reply to  mcklintop

Ian Andrews.

kevlar
2 years ago
Reply to  e.ralph

carl muggleton

Iancelt67
2 years ago

That free kick was a wicked shot. It wasn’t an absolute howler but I think a keeper should get something on that. I don’t feel a lack of confidence there. Bitton. I just wished someone had got between bitton and dreyer knowing a flashpoint was on the cards. Anyway, Celtic looked great at times and never really shakey as they have in the past. Soro is better than brown by a country mile. Looking forward to the season

henkesdreadlocks
2 years ago
Reply to  Iancelt67

*****The futures bright, the futures Oor Ange.*****

bgbhoy
2 years ago

pish

henkesdreadlocks
2 years ago
Reply to  bgbhoy

Why thank you. It came to me like a bolt from the green.

Owen Mullions
2 years ago

As long as the future’s not Lemon, I’m OK with that.

BornCelt!
2 years ago

May be of interest to some considering our outgoings. Is accurate but needs updating as the title states. Higher wages for loanees are the total package. Celtic 2021 Wages | Player & Team totals (salarysport.com) Young Dembele on £800? No wonder he is restless! Barkas needs to be on his way now. Not his fault, if you contacted my agent waving your knickers, that is the clubs fault. Hope he earnt enough for his families future and good bye. Who on earth okayed his signing? HH!

Bgbhoy
2 years ago

Ah more racism.

bgbhoy
2 years ago
Reply to  Bgbhoy

no different to the england fans there duncan. celtic player makes mistake and is subject to racist comment from online ‘fan’

Owen Mullions
2 years ago
Reply to  bgbhoy

Has Dunkirk disappeared again? All that arguing with Discworld D*ck might have got him banned.

bgbhoy
2 years ago
Reply to  Owen Mullions

posts another racist comment this time toward a celtic player, get dug up for it and the post gets removed

he is sub human

Owen Mullions
2 years ago
Reply to  bgbhoy

Ah, racism! Can’t beat that Brit Army training can you?

bgbhoy
2 years ago
Reply to  Owen Mullions

only explanation

bgbhoy
2 years ago

the manager being born in greece too, does he not have any plates?

is anyone safe from you? after all, you think its ok to message children online, maradonna got it 5 minutes after dying, now the greek celtic keeper

anyone or anything else?

Cartvale88
2 years ago

After the first fifteen minutes the team got a handle on the way they should play, from there they were the better team. Should have won irrespective of the Barkas error, but overall the referee was poor, did not seem to understand the advantage rule.. Bitton playing a defensive roll a lay over from days gone by and the moronic board. As for the snap of the Celtic back room celebrating you can clearly see JPK should not be there, he is probably the major issue in the dressing room, , Ange has his work cut out as some appear to want to undermine him.
As for the media coverage, it is a constant whine of negativity, Rorys mantra was Celtic are crap, as for the rest of the BT rental mob and this goes for Sutton, nothing positive to be seen or said, the lynch mob awaits the manager

bgbhoy
2 years ago

another post from charlie saiz bites the dust (more racism)

guy is a stain to this site and celtic

henkesdreadlocks
2 years ago
Reply to  bgbhoy

No surprises there then. Another gallant withdrawal.

Whitearra
2 years ago

Sorry Ralph, (unless your tongue is firmly in your cheek), wonder strike my arse and parsley. When our keeper withdraws his hands prior to contact with the ball, I think we have a problem. Check Shevchenko telling the striker what to do with the free kick. Barkas simply doesn’t have a presence in the box.

Mike
2 years ago

The Sun and the truth are polar opposites, just ask the Liverpool supporters, it’s reputation is floating somewhere in a distant Galaxy along with all the other discarded orbital detritus. Refreshing off Ange to accept responsibility for the result instead of trying to blame everyone else. As our possibly new centre-half Carl Starfelt bides his time to arrive from Rubin Kazan, (sounds like a character from the “Jungle Book”) what a name for a new Celtic book. Is he the King off the Swingers, a jungle VIP? or is that CarlJunglebhoy? don’t know, I’m confused.
Rubin ‘don’t take your love to town’ founded in 1958 ten years after me. Anyway player sales this year include – Frimpong – Klimala – Hendry – Bayo – Hatem Elhamed has raised approx. £13.21 Mill.
with a further £13.5 from Ajer, good luck Kris and a multitude of players have left to free up millions of pounds of wages. If only Dom diddy Dom could only bring some players into the club and give the manager a chance to really compete on all fronts, but that’s just me alway’s looking for the unexpected.

Tim Buffy
2 years ago

Barkas had only one thing to do all night and made an arse of it. You could see they were going to have a pop at goal yet he seemed to be unaware of it. Can’t dive properly, never extends his arms properly and completely lacks conviction. I’ve been watching Celtic since the mid 50s and seen some crap keepers, but this guy is looking like the worst of the lot. £5m down the toilet at one end and it looks like another £5m with Ajeti at the other.

Woof Charlie
2 years ago

That was a wonder goal as the Schick goal against Marshall – if the keeper’s set up right he’s saving it. Lots of positives from last night and at least Ange knows the job he has ahead of him now.

Andy
2 years ago

We had Midgtyland rattled, 1-0 up and looking, for once, that we could score a few more. Step forward the complete buffoon that is Nir Bitton. If you look at his first booking, it bore a striking similarity to his red card at Ibrox, he tries to get in front of the attacker but makes an erse of it. His second yellow is total stupidity (he should be fined wages) and also resulted in us having to remove Abada who looked a real threat.

Same old story after that (reminded me a wee bit of Copenhagen away when we could and should have been 3 or 4 goals up by HT before conceding) with Barkas’s howler. I was willing to cut him some slack as I think I would have been a shambling wreck last season with the so called defenders in front of me, but we have to replace him.

As for Edouard’s overall play and feeble attempt, dare I say if that was Kyogo Furuhashi he probably scores it.

As for Ryan Christie, I have slaughtered him in the past but last night he was the best player on the park.

Still think we can win in Denmark, as Midgtyland are no great shakes.

BJF
2 years ago

For me, it was Bitton who cost us the match. We have seen the two yellow cards and the unnecessary penalty before. For a player, if his experience and ability it is shocking. If Barkas had more credibility with us we might have given him some leeway, it was well struck. He is paid to try and save everything sent his way not to guess if one is maybe going past the post. Ange took it on the chin and his younger players didn’t let him down. Eddy couldn’t buy a goal at present, no idea why.

The Cha
2 years ago

Green shoots but a lot more required, especially those behind the scenes in the recruitment.

I’m not sure why the manager feels the need to apologise for the lack of preparation, as that’s on others, but still a nice contrast with lennon.

Turnbull seems to fade badly in the 2nd half of games. Does he have McCourt/Rogic symdrone?

The Cha
2 years ago

A goalkeeping expert’s view of the goal:

twitter .com/Alan_Morrison67/status/1417804355764375554

henkesdreadlocks
2 years ago

Good luck big Kris and thanks. I’m sure you’ll do well and get your VVD style move within a couple of years.

Woof Charlie
2 years ago

Mmm I doubt that not near the same class but I admire his commitment to the cause and at 3.52 million p.a. even if he never sees a medal again he is made.

henkesdreadlocks
2 years ago
Reply to  Woof Charlie

Mmm. Just turned 23 with terrific attributes. The big guy will flourish.

Woof Charlie
2 years ago

In an EPL relegation battle and with his habit of giving away possession when last man I doubt it. He will be a Championship player next year which is probably his level.

henkesdreadlocks
2 years ago
Reply to  Woof Charlie

Your welcome to your opinion . Decent coaching and pushing himself on, he’ll only get better.

Iancelt67
2 years ago

Excellent servant

Woof Charlie
2 years ago
Reply to  Iancelt67

Danny McGrain was that, he’s a young lad who has worked his ticket and fair play. Neither excellent or a servant.

Frank McGaaaarvey
2 years ago

Seconded. We should some nice cash further down the line too as he won’t be at Brentford too long.

And a huge welcome too our new Starman Carl Starfelt.

henkesdreadlocks
2 years ago

Celtic Football Club is delighted to announce that it has reached agreement with FC Rubin Kazan for the transfer of Swedish defender Carl Starfelt, subject to the satisfaction of usual conditions and international clearance. On satisfaction and gaining clearance, Carl will sign on a four-year deal.
 
A Swedish internationalist, Carl has been with FC Rubin Kazan in Russia since 2019 and previously played with IFK Goteborg.
 
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou said: “I am really pleased agreement has been reached and we are really looking forward to Carl joining up with the squad. Carl is an experienced player and someone with the attributes to be a real success at Celtic.  
 
“He is a strong, athletic and committed defender and will add quality to our squad. I am sure he will be a player our supporters will welcome warmly and someone who will be really important for us going forward.”
Carl will also be subject to standard quarantine protocols and will join the squad as soon as possible. 

Funkyy
2 years ago

…and the Scottish Winter shouldnae bother him if he’s been playing in Russia for years. Welcome to Celtic Carl Starfelt.

portpower
2 years ago

Weclome to Celtic, Star-Lord.

I am Groot.

Monti
2 years ago

Interesting that the VVD ( cough ) Ajer has waxed lyrical about John Kennedy’s abilities as a coach.
Sniff.

Now that Celtic have finally signed a central defender, can we sign another one too please?
Maybe we could even adopt a new policy of signing players who play in their natural position?

* Good luck to Kristoffer Ajer at his new club, a good all round player who will go on to bigger & better things.
Being compared to VVD is utter nonsense though & any such talk should result in immediate administering of a thick ear & removal of tartan blanket.

henkesdreadlocks
2 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Did I say he was as good as VVD?No I didn’t baldy, I said a VVD style move for big bucks, which by the way, will only benefit Celtic. As an aside, if you’ve been out in this glorious weather, your napper must be resembling a very dark lump of mahogany.

Mike
2 years ago

Oh Dear !

I still cannot fathom why we are not looking at Stephen O’Donnell, Motherwell’s right back, who works extremely well with James Forrest for Scotland. He still has two years left on his Motherwell contract, a Celtic youth player, his heart belongs to Celtic.
Zander Clark Hun Skelper, goalkeeper at St’Johnston, contract ending in May of next year, or…
Benjimin Siegrist goalkeeper at Dundee Utd. whose contract ends at the end of 2022 and who has repeatedly been linked with Celtic. Rather give the wages to them than some other exotic signing. Been there, done it, bazooka.

mabozzaRitchie
2 years ago
Reply to  Mike

hes rubbish.

Mike
2 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Plus Stephen O’donnell’s books are fvcking great.

Monti
2 years ago

Morning Henke, i heard you like the wood.

henkesdreadlocks
2 years ago
Reply to  Monti

I heard you like hanging about the woods.

Monti
2 years ago

WELCOME TO CELTIC CARL STARFELT

Monti
2 years ago

Celtic need to get rid of the non triers & want aways asap, Ntcham, Griffiths, Ralston, Taylor, Bitton, Barkas, Edouard, Christie & Rogic.
Sell for the highest price & give the money to Ange to build a serious Celtic side.

BJF
2 years ago

Just to offer an argument I do not see either Taylor or Ralston as none-triers. Taylor has kicked on and seen off Laxhalt and Boli. Ralston sadly has not offered anything new despite his loan spell. Good to have as cover. I cannot see how it is in Eddy’s interest to not try. Brown, MacGregor would not stand for it neither would Lenny or Ange. Any manager watching him and seeing a
’ non-trier’ is going to think, ‘if he does that here sooner or later he will do it to me.’ Eddy must know that but he can’t buy a goal at the moment.
Christie’s form has improved, address his wage issue, I gather he is one of the lower-paid ones. Yet again the club is shelling money out, I hope it brings more success than last year’s investment.

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