Celtic Banter Archive October 22 2020

22 Oct 2020 23:46:46
Duffy is absolutely terrible. Tools have been downed by a few out there tonight but we'll come back. Scrap this 3 at the back because certain players aren't adapting to it or don't want to. That mob will blow it again as they are serial losers when the real pressure is on. Gutted tonight though.

23 Oct 2020 00:13:46
Agree with back 4

Not sure they'll blow it readily . they'll be a tougher nut this year meaning we have very little time to self correct and find a balance and a 90.minute performance

When all fit . at home

Barkas, el hamed laxalt, ajer, Julien

Midfield of McGregor and Christie CMs
Rogic acm
Eddy number 9

Forrest right
Moi left

When away from home
Rogic oit . Christie in. place of rogic and Turnbull in

This means

No Duffy
No brown
No Frimpong
No Taylor
No ntcham

Could it happen?

23 Oct 2020 00:42:23
Short answer no.

23 Oct 2020 00:58:50
Lubo I agree with what your suggesting, but if Lennon is still here then guaranteed it won't happen.

He has to go.

23 Oct 2020 03:43:58
Lubo
I can remember that midfield was outstanding a couple of seasons ago when Brown was injured.
It was the season when Celtic were struggling under Brendan to create chances.
Then about this time of the year Brown got injured and we played Calmac, Christie and Rogic in the midfield and destroyed a few teams with fast flowing football.
One of the games was a 5-1 victory against a well organised Steve Clarke’s Kilmarnock side.

23 Oct 2020 08:44:48
I remember that game buzz. from memory where killie not top at the time?

23 Oct 2020 09:00:21
I was one that wanted Duffy but Ian high enough to admit he's been rotten his positional sense and passing are awful. still feel he'll come good with a consistent partner and in a back 4.

23 Oct 2020 10:00:17
I’m not sure Lubo,
But I can remember Hibs were playing well at that time and Celtic beat them 4-2 in a cracking match with those 3 in midfield.
It got our season up and running and we never looked back.
It was our worst start to a season in over 20 years but we got our act together and went on to win another treble.

23 Oct 2020 10:17:42
Brown will never be dropped and to compound the issue, he persists with the terrible trio that includes Ntcham and Cal-Mac and can't accept that this combination will never work.
Right now I see a very scared, under-pressure manager that is over-relying on an aging captain to get through a difficult time.
Even McGregor looks under pressure and it affected him last night, although International football fatigue may also be a factor?
We wanted 3-5-2 based on last season's successful run and good play, but between injuries, in-house issues, lack of form and even a lack of understanding of the system, we are struggling with it.
We have the players for a back four and that's an easy fix; but he really needs to use more of the many midfield options available.

23 Oct 2020 10:18:37
Rogic must start.

23 Oct 2020 10:21:15
Maybe if we get a new manager, not with NL.

23 Oct 2020 13:52:30
Hameyed st Johnstone with those 3 in mid forest scored 3 I think? Hh.

22 Oct 2020 23:13:53
Jack Wilshere worth a go. Our midfields a disaster zone. Broonys finished, absolute passenger of a player. Griffiths needs to go too. Wee mans a broken mess. Time he went to Killie or Motherwell.

23 Oct 2020 00:15:27
Agree on broony
Not so sure on Griff, he could yet turn it around.

23 Oct 2020 00:43:28
Wilshire would be fighting Rogic for room on the treatment table.

23 Oct 2020 03:50:00
A new account called commonsense.
Followed by constant trolling me thinks, all in one day.
Your not the only one since Saturday, I’ve noticed a few.

23 Oct 2020 05:55:59
Buzz there's loads that crawl out the woodwork on here after a bad result.

23 Oct 2020 11:33:16
So Im not allowed an opinion or account if what i say doesn't meet your expectations Buzz? Aye brilliant logic. Carry on.

{Ed007's Note - Personally I'd question the logic - and allegiances - of any supporter who wants their team to sign a waste of human organs like Wilshere.}

22 Oct 2020 22:54:24
Whilst frustrated surely sacking Lennon isn't the answer. Would that not leave us ruderless? New manager need time etc. Im afraid whether we like it or not that Neil is our best option. We lose at Aberdeen and its starting to get embarrasing.

22 Oct 2020 23:10:50
Aye let’s keep watching this and keep the faith that Lennon will sort this out 👍🏻.

22 Oct 2020 23:17:38
If lennon doesn't play a back 4 on Sunday and start rogic or christie if not both then I can see the tide of opinion turning on him. Question marks over duffy and brown too. Would love to see christie next to mcgregor in middle of park with their energy.

23 Oct 2020 03:11:36
I suspect that tide has turned some time ago and is now far from the shore.

23 Oct 2020 08:46:19
For me brown needs to realise that he needs to take a step back now and then to give the other players a chance surely can see that he’s not the player that he has been in the past seasons give him a coaching role at the club pass all is experienceNot sure what my team would be for Sunday might have a difference of opinion Hear I’d start Bain As I am not too confident with Barkas 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️.

22 Oct 2020 22:25:08
What a complete shambles . What formation will we play at Aberdeen? I have no clue!

22 Oct 2020 23:05:48
I do, we will play 3 5 2 with the following team:

Barkas

Welsh Duffy Ajer

Frimpong Laxalt

Brown McGregor Ntchan

Griffiths Ajeti.

22 Oct 2020 23:48:41
Duffy dropped
I'd drop Frimpong too
And ntcham
And brown ( not a leader now and very slow and offers very little )

Starting 11 for me would be

Barkas ( bain worth a shout too I'm afraid )
El hamed right back if fit
Ajer centre half
Bitton centre half if fit
Lexalt left back

McGrego but MUST be braver in tackle and move ball quicker
Turnbull centre midfield
Christie right side. Midfield ( mot too far right)
Moi to the left
Rogic in 10 role
Ajeti up top

And so a 4 4 1 1

IMVHO.

22 Oct 2020 22:13:05
Few thoughts following tonight.

Laxalt looks a real player. Similar traits to Tierney. When fully fit he will be a great asset.

The players turned it on when we went 4/ 2/ 3/ 1.

Ntcham much better sitting deeper, he is never a no.10.

Rogic played well tonight - Could yet play a part this season.

Duffy. Not sure if he is fully fit. Looks slow on the turn, always the first to drop back as he knows he has no pace. For a marquee signing he really needs to up his game. Based on current form Julien, Elhamed and Biton ahead of him when fully fit in my opinion.

22 Oct 2020 22:49:16
Agreed. Never in a million years is Duffy anything other than slow. He will cost us more goals than he saves us. Donkey of a player.

22 Oct 2020 22:49:43
Think Duffy was signed because he is a supporter and is from Derry, would we have given him a second look if he wasn't.

22 Oct 2020 23:07:17
It’s not a fitness issue with Duffy. What you see is what we get.
In about the last 50 days Duffy has played in 14 full games for club and country.
Hopefully he’ll look more comfortable in a back 4.

22 Oct 2020 23:15:01
Duffy was signed because he is an International player with bundles of experience in one of the strongest leagues in world football.

Having said that, he has been a massive disappointment so far. He made some shocking mistakes again tonight. I think it is too early to write him off. I still think he could be good for us in a settled team and system.

I take some crumbs of comfort from the second half performance. I thought we improved greatly when we we changed formation. The subs also played a big part in the late rally.

I really like the look of Laxalt. As the rest of our players return we will get stronger and stronger. Despite the questionable management of the squad we will win the league again.

22 Oct 2020 23:31:22
Aindoh, no.

22 Oct 2020 23:42:09
At fault for the 1st and 3rd goal. Could probably blame him for the 2nd goal too although McGregor who was hopeless all game ended up blocking him. Not only was Duffys defending embarrassing for the 3rd goal he booted Barkas in the baws as the ball went in.

22 Oct 2020 23:47:42
Laxalt is not going to cut it in Scotland. He's too puny for the game up here. He looked ok tonight in a European game as it was more akin to what football is supposed to be.

22 Oct 2020 23:49:02
Common sense hear, hear.
We have had some poor recruitment of late and for me, he is top of the list.

23 Oct 2020 00:06:20
Will play every week I don't doubt it. hope playing in back 4 will help, slow, positioning awful, passing worse than awful, give 1 more chance then pay Brighton to take him back. bigger danger than Rangers to us losing league. must affect team moral knowing he's the best paid player.

22 Oct 2020 22:11:32
There was some positives from that but an absolute shambles at the back. Duffy has to be the most disappointing signing in recent history. Looks every bit an overrated pub league defender.

22 Oct 2020 22:50:28
A complete imposter. Found out every game. He plays v Aberdeen and were screwed.

22 Oct 2020 23:07:51
Or perhaps Lennon is playing him in a back 3 when he is really suited to a back 4?

22 Oct 2020 19:10:40
Totally agree with nitcham should've being left out. He has been horrendous this season and that's being kind. I'm shocked at this decision. I'm beginning to think Lennon wants to be sacked.

22 Oct 2020 18:02:26
I'm not phased about tonight the priorities this year are the league, the league and the league. I'm sure we've all heard the story that DD asked for a virtual meeting with PL and told him to bring the manager with him after Saturday's performance. If we don't win at Pittodrie next week I would expect NL not to be here on Monday. I'm a big NL fan and what he's done as a player and manager will never be forgotten but that would seem reasonable to me. The current situation needs turned around.

22 Oct 2020 15:54:30
What is everyones current best 11 and formation? Curious how different they will be.

22 Oct 2020 16:08:21
Barkas

Jullien
Duffy
Ajer

Frimpong
Christie
McGregor
Laxalt

Elyounoussi

Edouard
Ajeti

That's the team I'd like to see eventually play when they can play to their potential. Based on current form/ fitness I'm struggling to field an XI.

22 Oct 2020 16:12:27
4 1 2 2 1

Barkas
A back 4 ( If all fit)
El hamed rb
Taylor lb
Jullien cb
Ajer cb

( Duffy rotating with Ajer and Ajer rotating with el hamed if struggling )
Bitton on hand too to support CBs or Brown in CDM role

Also, ajer permitted to carry ball forward with brown filling in . as when big Kris does that the whole team ( except CB and deep Lee midfielder) can confidently move up the park by 15 yards

My deeper lying midfielder is Brown ( noting in my formation we only have 2 centre backs) but he would still be another 10 yards up the park compared to current situation

2 orthodox central midfielders
McGregor and turnbull with expectation that they are linking and driving and so no need for an ACM per se as they would each rotate in that regard and expected to support a number 9

I would play forest out right as a RM/ ARM
I would play christie out left as a ALM/ LM

Both expected to give and to come inside to allow full backs some space and also to give number 9 a hand

And Eddy ( if fit ) up top as the spearhead . not expected to drop too deep left . ie a proper number 9

Switching to a 4 4 2 or a 3 5 2 if we aren't getting chances or penetration

Lexalt for taylor
Bitton as cb cover
Johnstone as wide cover
Frimpong as wide cover ( impact sub)
Ajeti
Griffiths
Duffy ( albeit he is probably on a promise to play

And from there, I would keep this shape and play the form players

If form is poor bring in any of the subs in to the 4 1 2 2 1.

22 Oct 2020 16:19:38
When everybody is fit for me

Barkas

Ajer
Duffy
Julien
Taylor/ laxalt

Brown

Christie
Eddy
Turnbull
McGregor

Ajeti

4/ 1/ 4/ 1.

22 Oct 2020 16:31:41
I would go with a solid 4-4-2 formation.
Barkas
Ajer. Jullian. Duffy. Laxalt
Forrest. Turnbull. McGregor. Christie.
Ajeti. Edouard.
The average age for that team is about 25 years old which is perfect with a mixture of experience and youth.
There is also good balance in that team with the right footers on the right side and the left footers on the left side.
Forrest and Christie can also switch wings if the manager would prefer for them to cut inside and have a dig.

22 Oct 2020 18:08:00
Interesting to see everyone's very different set ups. The issue I have with the 352 formation is you are asking a lot from the wing backs. Everyone forgets frimpong wasnt originally intended for the first team and still has some way to go defensively. Laxalt is still unknown and taylor is a solid fb who may get better going forward with time. We seem to lack creativity without wingers in the team. I would personally go with a 433.

Brown needs to be rotated out more. Only playing in important games where we will have less of the ball (europe/ sevco games.

When everyone's fit I would try eddy cutting in from the left with ajeti through the centre.

My 11 would be

Barkas
Frimpong
Ajer
Duffy
Taylor
Brown
McGregor
Christie
Eddy
Ajeti
Forrest

Rotating brown out for Turnbull and taylor out for laxalt against weaker opposition.

I havnt forgot mo. I just don't rate him.

22 Oct 2020 18:20:24
Cory
That’s the problem Lenny has because he doesn’t know which Elyounoussi and Ntcham that will turn up.
More often than not it’s the one that doesn’t give 100%.

22 Oct 2020 18:45:11
Lads l think jullien is out for a while due to this back injury. Inflammation in the base of the back apparently.

22 Oct 2020 21:26:03
Our luck this season with injuries hasn't exactly helped us.

22 Oct 2020 10:51:32
Morning all / ed

I have been all over the online blogs since Saturday and watched for the messaging come out of celtic park

Lots of rumours, not many positive ones but there you go

The wantaway stars was a real problem, not so sure it is so much now

Anyways, I digress

NL interview yesterday, between questions. body language .

Some. of the content was valid but he looked ( in terms of body language )

Spooked
Exhausted
Beat
Unsure
Melancholy

As each question came pouring in, you could tell he was uncomfortable

To his credit, he heaped praise on the players and double downed on their professionalism and exploits and highlighted that he knew they had gears to move through

He took the blame for the 2nd half display and said it was all about him in terms of performances. which was good ( in a way)

Anyway, my point.

He reads all of this. he is well aware of fans low level of confidence in him ( maybe he shouldn't be so interested and maybe he should avoid the noise as he calls it) but our manager, leader, anchor, commander and chief is Miles away from the fiery, over confident, ballsy character that we know him to be

The lennon " stare " has gone and he does look like a rabbit in the headlights . not so much frightened and overwhelmed, but more resigned to the brutal truth that he will shortly be run over by the Volvo hurtling towards him

I don't want to see NLs legacy irreparably damaged

I don't want to contribute any more to the negativity around him and his abilities ( be it man management, tactical nuse, standards, talent spotting and talent development)

I am giving him the benefit of the doubt. It's a results business and not a personality content or beauty pageant.

I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, starting from now

We are celtic

Hail hail

Faithful through and through with no entitlement to anything

Enjoy your day folks.

22 Oct 2020 11:59:27
I feel NL now is a different character from the NL that took over from Mowbray. Think he had to channel some of that rage elsewhere but also think its diluted that passion and determination he once had. Bringing back the thunder I think was the quote used at the time. We could be doing with some of that now.

22 Oct 2020 12:04:33
I had noticed his passive and vulnerable interviews since the CL exit and he knows better than most that these media and tabloid morons are not the slightest bit interested in his or Celtic's welfare, or plight, but how far can they push and coheres him into a corner and wait for him to crack.
Slippy on the other hand has a hold and control over who and when he speaks and has asserted influence on both the SPFL and SFA.
I agree 'Lubo'; he is currently a shell of the character and person he was and he seems to have taken a battering from all sides inside and outside the club.
Personally, I don't think he has surrounded himself with inspirational, motivational or problem-solving assistants?
However, If he can't regain his authority and swagger because the stuffing has been knocked out of him - he should go?
Possibly, if the support and players saw more fight (in the right way) , passion and direction it could make all the difference?

22 Oct 2020 12:06:01
It’s a footballers world now because of their wages.
Gone are the days when the manager could get away with the hairdryer treatment.
Lenny in his first stint was probably a character the players feared but he knows he won’t get away with that now especially with what happened at Hibs.
I know what you mean Lubo because Lenny is like a different person now.
Some would argue that’s the way it should be because the days of Jim McLean from his Dundee Utd days was OTT.
I was worried he would lose the dressing room after his Ferencvaros meltdown and I think it’s still early days if that is in fact the case.
The players have showed fighting qualities to grind out results recently and Saturday was more of a selection and tactical nightmare for/ by Lennon.
These next few games will let us know if the players are interested in playing for their manager.
I hope to god they are.

22 Oct 2020 12:34:52
Buzz bubs and celtic mad . all really good posts .

Let's see how we set up this evening

A little bit of lady luck for NL would be overdue.

22 Oct 2020 12:38:49
We also have to remember this is a man who also struggles with his mental health and could be struggking.

22 Oct 2020 12:43:33
We have to take a step back from all of this and look at the basic facts.

We are not an insular, backwater Scottish club. We are a worldwide respected football club with a massive history and a first class business model.

As a club of this magnitude we should have first class leadership and first class coaching staff who in turn should be filtering down to the players motivation, enthusiasm and maximising and nurturing ability.

With the status and standing of the club, the players should be proud to pull on the jersey and to give 100% at all times. The supporters pay their wages and all of the first-team squad earn well in excess per week what supporters may earn in two or three years, and they should understand that.

A club of this magnitude should have succession planning, ensuring that any fringe or Development players are coached to come into the first team seamlessly when called upon.

The Board has a corporate responsibility to ensure the standing of the club is maintained in the marketplace and and they also have a collective accountability to the fans who pay to make things happen.

None of us on this page probably know eactly what is happening behind the scenes. We can hear and read but there appears to be something which is not right. Somewhere down the line there appears to be unhappiness, demotivation and anxiety. This cannot be allowed to go on as all it does is compromises the good name of Celtic. Something is clearly not right - and something clearly has to be done, and quickly.

22 Oct 2020 12:54:38
Great post stengo.

22 Oct 2020 13:02:23
Cheers liamlennon.

22 Oct 2020 15:41:01
Liam Lennon, my post was better
IM VHO

Enjoy the match.

22 Oct 2020 15:47:54
😂great post also lubo, enjoy the game mate.

22 Oct 2020 15:59:14
Stengo

I'm sorry

Celtic is a PLC

They have a fiduciary responsibility to shareholders.

Any sensible Business is in the Business of profit maximization/ optimisation

There is a link between happy fans, success and of course revenue BUT in in our case, we have the issue of being in a league / region that IS constrained in terms of TV and sponsorship.

The reason the Board don't go all out to make the champions league ( more revenue) is because nothing is guaranteed and we could run the risk of overspending on players and wages and fail to recoup the champions league bounty ( where we don't pick up many points anyway albeit we get the plus 20m for a season)

The domestic prize money for trophies is hardly dazzling either

And so, our Board do just enough to drive revenue ( aka keeping fans happy and giving fans sufficient incentive to buy season books, merchandise and pies and pizzas )

A close run thing with sevco is a business choice; weirdly that optimizes revenue in our backwater league which has never been properly positioned or backed in a PR/ marketing sense

Celtic Board KNOW we have the fans, but regrettably we don't have the platform and with so many vested in shares and options, they will keep a keen eye on that aspect.

With poor dividends and a hint of toiling profits the share price could tank ( albeit, uniquely, perhaps many of celtic shares trade less because people hold on to them for longer )

Anyway, the point is that we probably overpay average " lost " or " off form " pr " project " players JUST to make the switch to Glasgow's east end and thereafter, to bring the magic to financial performance ( and line the pockets of savvy executive board members ) we sell our best assets on a phased basis . meaning that

We won't ever be as talented and secure in terms of actual talent and emerging talent as we would otherwise like l.

The Board is not accountable to fans

We fans are a source of revenue, nothing more nothing less

Yes to world class coaches
Yes to world class leadership
Yes to careful succession planning
Yes to everything else that is all rainbows and yellow brick roads

Why not?

But your " take" is romantic and naive ( a lovely sentiment nonetheless )

Hail hail.

22 Oct 2020 16:48:29
Patronising post as is your won't Lubo - we wouldn't want it any other way.

22 Oct 2020 18:16:04
Aye okay. you know the score stengo.

22 Oct 2020 09:02:00
If we can get Edouard back playing to the form he has showed since he joined the club, it would make a massive difference to our team.
Our talisman has now missed 3 league games out of 10 and yet he only missed 3 league games out of 30 last season.
Edouard has only played 90 minutes once this season in all competitions for club and France U21s.
It’s a worry that half our team have struggled to play 90 minutes since they came back from lockdown.

22 Oct 2020 10:29:55
It'll be a while yet buzz . don't expect a pittodrie return either.

22 Oct 2020 10:58:26
Absolutely no doubt we've missed him - even when he did play he was obviously carrying a knock or was distracted by all the speculation over an extended transfer window and he wasn't himself.
The club has had too many injury, challenge and fitness issues, so early in the season and without Eddy, even Griff and Yeti were deemed unfit to play a full 90 minutes and that causes concerns as well.
When you add the other 'distracted' players and the apprehension to play other - apparently fit - players in midfield; then you wonder what we could do with a fully 100% healthy and committed squad?
It would take some pressure off the manager - or would it lol?

22 Oct 2020 11:18:22
It’s not a disaster because we have the exact same points tally at this stage last season.
Celtic in recent times have peaked in the second half of the season whilst Sevco usually peak in the first half of the season.
So nothing has changed there.
Our next 3 league games are all away to teams that finished in last seasons top 6.
It’s a hard schedule and hopefully the players can show their usual fighting qualities to get Celtic through this sticky patch.

22 Oct 2020 12:06:55
For some reason when I type 'challenge' it appears as 'challenge?
Maybe the same glitch as the 'Sevco' typo ha ha.

{Ed007's Note - ??}

22 Oct 2020 08:48:33
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Review Of The Day 22nd October 2020