With the European campaign effectively over for another season, the recriminations have begun. Everyone has got it in the neck from someone. To my observation, you select the party you like the least and heap the blame on them. Cognitive Dissonance rules ok? As mentioned on this week’s Huddle Breakdown, I’d like to call out … [continue reading]
Champions League
Opportunity Knocks
The return of Lazio to Celtic Park provides the sort of opportunity Celtic need to take to register points in the group for a hope of achieving Brendan Rodgers stated aim of European football after the New Year. 16th placed opponents might just be what Celtic need to register their first Champions League group stage … [continue reading]
The False “Naivety” Narrative
Celtic’s defeat in Rotterdam was particularly frustrating for me given the low expectations going in. At half time, the match was utterly 50/50 by the data and hope had started to rise: If anything, given Celtic were the away side, you could argue based on the performance data, they’d have been the happier side. But … [continue reading]
Going Dutch
I’ve already stated a slightly grumpy attitude to this seasons Champions League campaign given the glaring weaknesses in the squad not addressed but even more importantly the need to prioritise winning the league over anything else given the huge riches likely from revamped 2023-24 participation. But putting the miserabilism to one side for a moment, … [continue reading]
Hart Stopper
Today I am delighted to share a guest article by Martin McGinn. As a goalkeeper himself, Martin would like to offer some insight into Joe Hart this season. As an aside, I welcome guest articles so I you have a proposal please contact me to arrange. Take it away, Martin! Context and Summary Points This … [continue reading]
Expected Brutality
On this week’s Huddle Breakdown, @jucojames explained that Celtic have given up more than two xG against in a string of matches against top class opposition over the last season and a bit. Matches away in AZ Alkmaar, in the Europa League against Real Betis and Bayer 04 Leverkusen, plus this seasons Champions League matches … [continue reading]
McGregor Sets Real Example
There were many bright spots despite a 0-3 Heroic Hammering at the hands of European Champions, Real Madrid. None more so that the captain, Callum McGregor. He led the way in most of the key defensive AND ball progression metrics. In summary: Of course, Real Madrid were not going man to man as many SPFL … [continue reading]
Celtic Dare to Dream
It’s been a while. Celtic re-enter the rarefied atmosphere of a Champions League night under the lights, and perhaps the heavy rain, to take on European Champions Real Madrid – Europe’s most successful club. In the early part of this century, Celtic Park remained a fearful fortress for foreign foe. Manchester United, Barcelona, Benfica, AC … [continue reading]
A Glimpse of Ange Ball
The Midtjylland Champions League tie was our first serious glimpse of Postecoglou’s playing philosophy under the stress of real competition. I believe we got more that we bargained for, and there were a few surprises! Starting Approach As expected, the team set out 4-2-3-1. None of the defenders were those we’d hope to have in … [continue reading]
Abada’s Debut
Liel Abada followed up a perky debut against Preston North End with a 44-minute full first start against FC Midtjylland. What did this tell us? Starting Position Abada started wide right in a nominal 4-2-3-1. This aligns to the majority of his start for Maccabi Petah Tikva (40 of 47 starts as a right winger, … [continue reading]