Celtic Diary Thursday August 19: I Just Can’t Help Believing

It’s probably time to stop with the stolen lyrics from hit tunes of yesteryear.

Someone even spotted the throwaway line from one of Paul Weller’s early offerings.

But after last nights 2-0 win over AZ, then perhaps it’s apt to talk a little about belief.

The players believed in themselves, they believed in the system, and perhaps most importantly, as it had been a fear among some supporters, we can believe that manager Ange Postecoglou is a pragmatist.

On 85 minutes last night, with Celts under a bit of pressure, an injury on the field allowed Joe Hart to run over to speak to the manager….

Although it’s entirely possible he had a runny nose and was looking for a handkerchief, it’s equally possible that he was pointing out that the pressure on the defence was beginning to overwhelm, and it would be better to go a little more direct instead of playing out from the back.

Whatever was said, the manager concurred, proving he listens, and Hart then went over to his colleagues…presumably not looking for a handkerchief after all….

Noticeably, Hart, unlike some who have joined Celtic from the EPL, didn’t break protocol and act off his own back. He deferred to captain and manager, and in doing so earned a tremendous amount of respect from team mates and supporters alike.

The team duly adapted, and held on for the two goal advantage which given the quality of the Dutch side, and they were more than decent, as Alkmaarbhoy had predicted in yesterdays diary, we’ll need it.

What was also interesting was that the defence, which is maturing and improving at a rapid rate, was a little more proactive than reactive, highlighted by the sliding tackle from Tony Ralston which prevented an AZ forward from making contact with a superbly timed low cross.

Ralston, if you watch the clip again, had anticipated the ball and moved to block before the cross was made.

This is a massive shift in defensive policy, which under other managers had been more spontaneous than thoughtful.

Hart and Ralston stood out last night, Hart with a couple of great saves, and Ralston for his workrate and awareness. Of course, that means those that are never happy will now shift their focus onto Greg Taylor , still largely at fault for not being Keiran Tierney, but there are those who do love a moan.

Whereas Elvis said he just cant stop believing, one wonders whether some supporters can’t start….

Then again, there has been a media narrative that has been at best disrespectful and at worst downright hateful where manager Postecoglou has been concerned.

Even fan media bought into it, and even now still promotes nonsense such as the sack the board back the team tagline.

The board will be accountable soon, mark my words, but plan A was to rebuild the team.

We’d hardly be cheering if we were floundering on the pitch but had sacked a couple of board members, now, would we ?

You got the feeling from several outlets that they wanted the manager to fail so they could heap pressure on the board.

For example, when Celtic exited the Champions League, Hugh Keevins, who once criticised the club for signing an unkown pal of Dr Jo’s when John Spencer was available, showed remarkable consistency when assessing Postecoglou.

In the same article, Keevins analysed Ange…..

Ange cuts a detached figure, distant from those around him on the touchline and remote from his players.   

This is the sort of article, and there are many similar out there, that prompts discussion, debate and opinion, whereas really it’s just a bitter old man ranting and hoping for some feedback, which in turn means his employers will pay him for another year.

Thats the trouble when you pay, directly or indirectly, for opinions.

You’ll notice they increasingly match your own….

As it becomes apparent that Postecoglou is no mug, although anyone with even the remotest idea about football knew he wasn;t, other little victories need to be heralded…..

Another trophy to fill out the Ibrox cupboards ?

Something else, while i’m on a bit of a rant….have a look at John Beaton’s face here, and also his hands.. in both images, and see if you can guess whether or not he’d be open to subconscious bias in his workplace decision making…

We mentioned a Plan B in regard to the overall restructuring of the club yesterday, and although we can’t confirm it, the omission of Ryan Christie from the squad seems to back up what we’ve heard.

Combined with the longer period of absence enjoyed by Liel Abada after he picked up a knock, it seems the manager will rest players until they are fully recovered, which in turn suggests a revamp of the sports science department.

Or at least a change in the way they are thinking about the welfare of players. However, none of that matters if there is nothing said about the unwritten rule that says Celtic players can be kicked when they move, and stood on when they don’t.

But then again, one step at a time, and let’s be patient, and hopeful that something might be said about that before the trip to Ibrox in ten days or so time…..

Yesterday, we had this….

Cartvale88 

 First Bus seat covers used for adverts   

Today…