{"id":3804,"date":"2013-10-22T10:26:33","date_gmt":"2013-10-22T09:26:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/etims.net\/?p=3804"},"modified":"2013-10-24T12:21:29","modified_gmt":"2013-10-24T11:21:29","slug":"celtic-dairy-tuesday-october-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/etims.net\/?p=3804","title":{"rendered":"Celtic Dairy Tuesday October 22"},"content":{"rendered":"

Its only October, but there seems to have been quite a few big games already this season in Europe. Season defining, is how they’ve been described , and tonights is arguably the biggest of all.<\/p>\n

Celtic have to get something from the visit of Ajax. Its that simple.<\/p>\n

In fact.to have any realistic hopes of progressing from the group of nobility, three points are needed. Anything less and we’ll be lucky to get European football after christmas, so its all hands to the pump, as they say.<\/p>\n

Thankfully, it looks like manager Neil Lennon is up for it;<\/p>\n

“I watched them on Saturday night and they came on strong in the second half and probably deserved something out the game,\u201d he said. \u201cThey are going to give us problems the way they move the ball, the way they play the game, and they have good pace in the team in wide areas.<\/p>\n

“I have watched them twice now. They don\u00b4t change the way they play in terms of formation. They do with personnel. They have players who are flexible and can play in a number of positions.<\/p>\n

“They are very confident and have great belief in what they are trying to do. And they never panic. They were under pressure at times but we kept playing the same way and got stronger as the game went on.<\/p>\n

“They are a typical Ajax team, a philosophy they have had for a long time. You look at the personnel, they have in the background – Overmars, Van der Sar, Bergkamp and Ronald de Boer \u2013 they have a wealth of experience, and quality as players, and they are passing that on to the young players.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut we are ready and are looking forward to it. We know what\u00b4s at stake. The fact we are at home gives us a heads-up.<\/p>\n

“It\u00b4s a must-not-get beat. I am confident in this team that we can perform away from home as well but winning the game would put us in a really good position within the group. Losing the game would probably end our aspirations for trying to qualify.\u201d<\/p>\n

As usual, the boss is banking on the crowd playing their part;<\/p>\n

“It will be a different environment for them, a different atmosphere, and some won\u00b4t be used to it,\u201d said the Irishman. \u201cBarcelona were far more experienced and knew what to expect having been here last year, but for some of the Ajax players playing here for the first time, it may be something new.<\/p>\n

“I know our fans will bring a huge amount of noise and passion to the stadium and I am hoping that will fire our the players up – not that they need motivating for the game but it will give them that extra spring in their step.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lennon will not have Scottt Brown or Kris commons in the team, but James Forrest should be available, as long as he hasn’t hurt himself yet.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s an important player anyway but we are delighted that he looks fitter than he was,\u201d added the manager. \u201cThe virus took a lot out of him but when he plays and is fit and healthy he is a huge player for Celtic. It\u2019s great to have him back. It\u2019s such a huge boost for everyone.<\/p>\n

“Kris is a really creative player and James Forrest is a really creative player,\u201d he added. \u201cUnfortunately we haven\u2019t had the two of them on the pitch at the same time in the Champions League as James was injured last year, and we haven\u2019t had the opportunity to do so this year either.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis lack of creativity is sometimes overplayed. Without question we have goals in us. We haven\u2019t taken our chances so far in the group stages and we are hoping that will change tonight.”
\nAh, thats a little worrying ” lack of creativity is sometimes overplayed ” . Surely the manager has noticed that Celtic can be somwhat predictable and haven’t been able to open up stubborn defences recently? \u00a0And thats without mentioning the poor returns from set pieces .<\/p>\n

Joe Ledley, Mikael Lustig and Emilio Izzaguerre should all be in the side, and it looks as though Lennon will go with the tried and trusted again;<\/p>\n

Forster, Lustig, Ambrose, van Dijk, Izzaguerre, Forrest, Kayal, Ledley, Samaras Stokes, Pukki.<\/p>\n

The bench will be looking a little light, but we do seem to be down to the bare bones. In fact, its worth mentioning that when the team takes to the field tonight, those wee guys that come on with them in Celtic strips are the mascots, not the substitutes.<\/p>\n

Ajax boss Frank de Boer used to play for the original Rangers team, which delighted hacks yesterday as they got to talk about the defunct club again, although de Boers memories of the ties are slightly painful.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a great atmosphere in the games with the rivalry between the two clubs. I had quite a good feeling about it but I played against Henrik Larsson and he was a real pain in the ass at that time for Rangers.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had him under control but there was a free-kick and it just landed at his feet. I thought it was quite a lucky goal!<\/p>\n

\u201cWe also lost in the last minute to Celtic again so hopefully this will be third time lucky. It\u2019s going to change sometime and hopefully luck is now on my side. ”<\/p>\n

Ajax have struggled away from home this season, but de Boer reckons that is all about to change;<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have doing better and better in each match recently and I know that when you keep playing better the good matches will follow. There is a great chance it will happen here.\u201d<\/p>\n

He doesn’t sound overly confident, does he ?<\/p>\n

\u201cOur players have to enjoy this kind of atmosphere. For me, with the people shouting at you, it was a great adventure.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you are young, you want to play in this kind of stadium. It can only give you more adrenalin in your body to perform.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you are worse than your normal level then maybe you\u2019re not good enough to play at this level.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can be nervous when the referee starts the game but you must get rid of all the nerves and enjoy a great stadium and great pitch.<\/p>\n

He’s waffling…<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the derbies between Real Madrid and Barcelona there is a great atmosphere.But also Rangers against Celtic and of course when I played for Galatasaray against Fenerbahce. Those three classics are, for me, the best in Europe and maybe the world.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are unbelievable to get involved in, especially as a player.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yep, signs of nerves…<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course we would prefer to win the game. If we want the potential to finish in second place then the best thing is to win. That might also put us in a good position for third place.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo lose is the worst option but a draw could maybe be enough because in two weeks\u2019 time we have Celtic in the Amsterdam ArenA.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we lose this game it gives Celtic a big advantage so we want to get three points from Celtic Park if we can.<\/p>\n

\u201cKris Commons and Scott Brown are key players for Celtic. Brown is the leader and Commons is the technical player, so they are very important and it\u2019s not good for them to lose them.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut there are still quality players left, so we\u2019ll concentrate on our own game.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe most important thing I tell my players is to play their own game and show guts.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want to play as we did in the second half against Twente, to create that many chances.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you play in a big game like that and make four good chances in one half, then that\u2019s fair enough I think.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you can do that in two halves you\u2019ll be satisfied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was satisfied at our second-half performance. I had that feeling after the match and still have it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want to play in Europe after the winter break, so we really want to win or at least we\u2019d like a draw.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s very important. If we lose it will be really difficult, but that goes for both teams.\u201d<\/p>\n

Er, Frank, they’ve gone..<\/p>\n

There was a song we used to sing when the de Boers were at Rangers, one called Ronald, one called Frank, one missed a penalty, the other one was a plank.<\/p>\n

I think that was how it went. Perhaps someone could remind me, and him, at the game tonight.<\/p>\n

Incidentally, which one was he ?<\/p>\n

The game is available live tonight from a number of sources, such as\u00a0Fox Sports Net;\u00a0Fox Soccer 2Go<\/a>; Sky Sports 3 (UK);\u00a0Sky Go<\/a>.<\/p>\n

STV are showing the Arsenal game, and although they don’t get a choice in the matter, someone at the channel should stick up for Scottish football, and try to make sure that the champions of Scotland are shown on free television in their own country. If, of course, we are lumped in with the English, we should get the corresponding financial reward of the bigger country.<\/p>\n

Greek striker Georgios Samaras gave us all a few words of inspiration to get us in the mood for the game;<\/p>\n

\u201cI am fully committed to Celtic. I\u2019ve had six years here and they have given me everything.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am almost 13 years away from my home country and trust me, it is not easy to be away from family and friends for so long.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut even in the tough periods I feel Celtic is my home.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoth of the sides want me to stay and in the end there will be a solution.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn my mind is always, \u2018What memories will I have when I retire?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cI have been away from my country, family and friends to play at a high level. All those sacrifices I have made and am still making, all the running, everything.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the end of your career, what will you remember?<\/p>\n

\u201cMy opinion is, if you play at a Premier League club finishing 11th or 12th in the table, the only thing you will remember when you retire is the money.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care about money, that\u2019s for sure.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven if I don\u2019t play in the top level next season or I go to a club that\u2019s not like Celtic, I\u2019ll leave with six years at Celtic and I will see my medals.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlso the Champions League nights here. I always try to explain these nights to other people, but there are no words to express the atmosphere in the stadium.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s everything. From the warm-up, to the Champions League anthem, to during the game and after the game. Everything.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have had a couple of Champions League nights this season and still can\u2019t find the correct words to express all that I see, feel and hear.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the most important thing for me. I will see medals on my wall and be able to remember something good.\u201d<\/p>\n

We need a big game from the big man tonight. Without the leadership of Scott Brown on the park, this could be the opportunity for Samaras to inspire his team mates.<\/p>\n

Whilst he can be infuriatingly ineffective at times, Samaras loves the big occasion, and if he picks up where he left off when Brown departed against Barcelona, then we might see something special tonight.<\/p>\n

I can see Celtic winning quite comfortably, maybe 3-1, but I can also see us losing 1-0. Which covers the waterfront as far as predictions go. What I would like to see though, is a leaf taken out of the Sean Fallon book of coaching.<\/p>\n

In his biography, reviewed elsewhere on the site, Fallon talks of the need to start a game at a high tempo, as it can be very difficult to raise it to order.<\/p>\n

He hated to see players walking over to take throw ins and corners, and would shout at them to get a move on.<\/p>\n

That is what we need tonight. We need to start at one hundred miles an hour and get faster as the game goes on, so that the crowd becomes louder, the tension gets transferred to the visitors as they are swept aside by energy , enthusiasm and pure, pure football.<\/p>\n

Its going to be 0-0 , isn’t it ?<\/p>\n

None of the teams wants to lose. The managers have more or less said that.<\/p>\n

Statistically, Celtic are favourites to win. As if that means anything.<\/p>\n

\n
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stats Celtic v Ajax<\/a><\/div>\n
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There have been reports of trouble from the Dutch fans, apparently a boots chemist on Central station in glasgow suffered damage last night.<\/p>\n

Strathclyde Police are ready to deal with anything however;<\/p>\n

” We are waiting for that moment when the Dutch fans sing the “Roll of Honour ” , and then we will make a move ”<\/p>\n

The youngsters are also in action today. they face the young Ajax side at Livingston this afternoon, and forward Denny Johnstone is looking forward to the game;<\/p>\n

“I think everyone\u00b4s just determined to get some points on the board,” Johnstone told the official Celtic website. “If you look at the table we\u00b4ve got no points from two games so everyone is feeling exactly the same. We really want to\u00a0win the double-header against Ajax. We think we have the quality to beat them twice.”<\/p>\n

If you can, get along and give them a cheer.<\/p>\n

Dutch U-21 keeper Warner Hahn has obviously read yesterdays diary…<\/p>\n

The 21-year-old believes his form has warranted the attention of other clubs, but does not know if he is a target for Celtic.<\/p>\n

“It’s logical because I am in good form right now,” Hahn told Dutch TV NOS regarding the reported interest.<\/p>\n

“I have also read that Celtic are following me, but I haven’t heard anything from that club so far.”<\/p>\n

Hahn’s agent Revien Kanhai is aware of interest in the 6ft 6in keeper, but insists it is premature to suggest a deal is close to being agreed.<\/p>\n

Kanhai told Algemeen Dagblad: “There are several clubs who have let it be known they are interested, but any news that a deal is almost done is very premature.”<\/p>\n

Charlie Mulgrew also went on to twitter to deny that the naked picture he sent out was him<\/p>\n

‘Just to clear things up that picture I posted last night isn’t me and apologies to anybody that took offence ”<\/p>\n

Never thought it was, Charlie. But thanks for pointing out there is a bloke in the picture as well.<\/p>\n

Journalist and author Phil macGhiollabhan has echoed the thoughts of many in a recent article, as he helps to keep the issues of foodbanks and living wages in the spotlight prior to Celtics AGM<\/p>\n

phil mac<\/a>\u00a0-this is a good read, and deserves a look.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, David Leggat, one time journalist now reclusive outlet for all things connected with the dark side claims he has been threatened, and is under police protection.<\/p>\n

leggoland-under-police-protection-after<\/a><\/p>\n

I guess irony can be pretty ironic sometimes, as the befuddled blogger is not averse to issuing online threats himself, and if anybody actually ever paid attention to him then he too may have been in trouble in the past.<\/p>\n

But, forgetting all that for a moment.<\/p>\n

We have a game tonight. And the day glo picture from the Ajax- Celtic game back in 1982 prompted memories of listening to the game on Radio Clyde, as George McCluskey fired in the winner in a 2-1 victory that sent Celtic through to the next round.<\/p>\n

So, what happened next ? A lot of cheering.<\/p>\n

Who is this guy, and what part did he play in that game ?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Right, I’m away to pass the time as productively as i can before the game starts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

C’mon the Hoops<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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