27 Feb 2020 23:29:00
Obviously we had been having a fantastic run of form and results after the break, so this performance and drastic drop in quality was hard to understand and difficult to take and it hurts.
Scott Brown started poorly and got worse, while Simunovic had a 'mare at the back and made everyone around him a bag of nerves. Taylor, Rogic, Cal-Mac and Eddy started well enough, but any chances they created were once again squandered and gradually gave them confidence.
It was a carbon copy of the Cluj game in some ways - only they are not a patch on Cluj and were made to look good by our own failings.
It's a sore one to take, but we rarely get beyond February in Europe anyway; but because Sevco got through it's going to invite excess criticism and a media frenzy When all it does is reduce fixtures and gets us out the Thursday club.
I know we will bounce back from this as we can't simply play that poorly again two games running, but an away cup-tie in Perth is a good place to take out any frustrations.
I do have one other concern regarding the squad and that is the non-participation of both January signings after several weeks?
All other clubs that made January signings have used their players to some effect, while we have been left waiting and wondering? The managers statement on bringing in additions that could hit the ground running - has jolted to a halt.
Celtic Banter Archive February 27 2020
Use our rumours form to send us celtic transfer rumours.
27 Feb 2020 23:02:20
Every bit of blame for tonight lands at neil Lennon's door.
We have 2 fit right backs and a half fit right back sitting this game out and he plays a CB.
By doing that he majorly weakened our central defence. Ajer and julian have built a good partnership and he dismantled it.
Lennon knew we were going up against a monster of a striker and took our strongest and most physical player out the middle.
This is becoming a trend with him in big games, trying to pull a master stroke rather than just keeping a winning formula.
28 Feb 2020 01:10:21
I don't get it Kev. If he didn't trust Frimpong or Bauer then play 352. Ajer is never a RB.
27 Feb 2020 22:46:45
Tonight was another example of our inability to manage a European 2nd leg from a positive position. we need to learn how to at uvly.
27 Feb 2020 22:45:04
Well lads that was guff, total guff. Lennon has to take blame, why change a winning formula, should have stuck 352, I'm amazed brown started, shouldn't have been on the bench, worst game for a while. We go on about sevco being rubbish, but we really are no better. Just have to hope that we get our act together for the weekend. Raging with that performance.
28 Feb 2020 01:11:21
The league table shows a different story mate. Poor day at the office but we are still far better than Sevco.
27 Feb 2020 22:22:27
Listen lads ma team are mince and relegation material but a support any scottish team in europe what was the f@ck with your defence the night so dissapointed with that performance the night your defence was mince especially that croation lad simo and you lot are going to get dogs abuse from the blue noses.
28 Feb 2020 02:22:59
It's OK Kenny jambo after you pump them at the weekend. . normal service will be resumed.
27 Feb 2020 22:13:21
A lot of people are looking at brown. but whole midfield disappeared 2nd half for me. we missed Christie's energy. it's another example of us not being able to play a second leg when in a positive position. I always think we're better with first leg at home. we wouldn't be as disappointed if the other mob didn't get a result. however 4th treble is on the cards and they won't get passed next round.
So come July this will all be irrelevant. ๐.
27 Feb 2020 22:13:07
Shambles, total fekkin shambles. That is all. HH.
27 Feb 2020 22:09:44
What happened the night lads that defense was mince a cheer any scottish team in europe but that defense was mince credit to the other team they were better but you lot are going to get it tight from blue noses.
27 Feb 2020 22:38:42
What a poor night but no time to self implode.
I for one don't blame Lennon. The team had it under control but threw it away.
Over 2 legs we gifted Copenhagen 4 goals.
Big Jozo is too injury prone and too inconsistent. 3 solid games 2 mares and 5 injured usually out of every 10 games.
Rogic is the waste of a Jersey never has a player flattered you deceive so much.
In January we needed two signings to take the team to the next level. A sitting midfielder and a CB. Both should have been experienced players in there mid to late 20s to add a bit of steel to the team.
Our midfield can't win a battle. And that's even likely with rogic in it. My little pony has more battle than our Tam. We can out play anyone's midfield but seriously lack battle and experience.
Good luck to Sevco. Hope they push the coefficient up. At least we will be fresh for the title run in but I really fancied a wee QF or SF run this year. Poor all round.
27 Feb 2020 23:35:09
I said pre match Rogic had to have a big game and it looked promising at the start but again he fell away. I don't know why Lenny didn't go with 3-5-2 and Griff up top. but he can't be blamed for jozo errors or players like Forrest and elyanousi disappearing second half.
27 Feb 2020 22:02:24
Brown was absolutely nowhere near fit and was utterly appalling but Lennon would have played him even if he only had one leg. Jozo was having a nightmare long before his fatal mistake. Rogic did his usual and ran out of batteries at 60mins but we took Moi off McGregor left to do the work of 3 in there and toiled. Very very poor.
27 Feb 2020 22:27:20
Lennon will always play his favourites. Maybe its time to give others a chance. Not saying all the time but can't expect calmac and broony to play every game. Simunovic should be let go. Not good enough. He makes mistakes all the time.
27 Feb 2020 22:10:08
Completely agree. So frustrating.
28 Feb 2020 09:14:16
Don't understand why we played Ajer at RB and Jozo in the middle, Brown no where near fit, Forrest was an empty shirt.
Again Lennons hesitation in changing tactis and subs is mind boggling.
We should have started with 2 up front and went at them from the start to finish the tie, it felt like we were happy to play for a 0-0 .
27 Feb 2020 22:02:24
No Christie or Ntcham and we rely on Rogic who hasn't been the same player for 18 months. Bench was weak tonight other than Griff which tells u a lot about our signings. Gutted, after 1st 45 mins away it looked like we could take as many as we liked off them. Not convinced with line up, surely 352 with Griff was the shout.
27 Feb 2020 22:52:11
Hasn't been same player for last 18 months? This is the norm from rogic. That wee blast for 6 months under Rogers was the anomaly not his form now.
27 Feb 2020 22:02:15
Defensively amateurish. Jozo was awful and should of been taken off. And going g forward no one took the gamble. Should have score 2 or 3 in the 1st half alone. I'm disappointed because we where good enough to go far and we blew it. We move on, and full concentration on completing another treble. Hh.
28 Feb 2020 09:15:46
Agreed. Simunovic was all over the place. That's a bad lot we've just lost to. Ah well treble will have to suffice again. Could always be worse.
27 Feb 2020 22:02:13
Don't post much but Lennon must take the blame for tonight changed a winning formula, plus a think our defenders need to toughen up they are to lightweight.
27 Feb 2020 22:21:35
Never understand why we need seven and a half feet defenders. What's wrong with playing ball-players who can read a game as central defenders. There's height elsewhere in the team who can help out at corners.
28 Feb 2020 09:12:59
It's their eye watering lack of pace. ponderous and plodding. Every time Julien went to clear the ball it seemed an eternity passed til his leg actually kicked the damn thing. Like super slow mo.
27 Feb 2020 21:59:31
Totally fuming tonight. Said it in the live chat but I'll say it again: Scott Brown was to blame. Caught out of position all night, half arsed tackles, poor passing, non existent leadership.
I love the guy, a Celtic legend, but if he wasn't fit then he should not have played. Lennon needs to take responsibility for that too.
All that said, we should have taken our chances in both legs. Just so frustrated and obviously Jozo big mistake for first goal gave them a massive boost. He never recovered from that either.
So so disappointed.
27 Feb 2020 22:35:29
he shouldn't have been anywhere near the team as he was no where near fit. Bitton should have started.
we should have had Frimpong at RB and Ajer in the middle.
27 Feb 2020 21:57:30
Self inflicted. When u splash cash on signings that don't add a jot to the team even when players out injured the tried and tested burn out. We have squandered millions on Bayo, Boli, Shved, and Klimala and Soro can't get close to team. And I don't but this early days stuff, if Klimala was a player he would be in or around the team every week, ยฃ3.5 m for a reserve player? Thankfully the mob self imploded so 9 is safe but questions need to be asked.
27 Feb 2020 22:21:36
100% spot on.
In the last transfer window all the talk was about bringing in first team ready players.
Neither are anywhere near the first team it seams.
Soro was apparently the man to cover for Broony, but because we haven't given him a single minute of first team action, we end up playing Broony regardless of whether he's fit or not.
And it's not as if Soro needs the usual "getting up to speed" excuse as he was playing for his last team right up to when we signed him.
We've had plenty of chances to give him the odd 20-30 minutes of games, but haven't done it.
So is he just another dud, or the victim of poor man management?
The same goes for Klimala.
28 Feb 2020 09:13:15
What I struggle with is you've got a solid right back in Bauer who doesn't do much wrong and does what's asked without much drama so you play your best centre back at right back pushing your weakest onto his wrong foot.
27 Feb 2020 21:52:22
Cluj all over again, shambles!
27 Feb 2020 22:01:06
We'll find out what we're made of at the weekend and against the Rangers.
If we show any weakness over the next couple of weeks they'll be thinking it's game on again!
27 Feb 2020 22:03:32
That was dire again in Europe, we didnโt have a clue how to break them down. Back to the old Rogers routine of just passing it across the back then lumping it. It was obvious they let our defenders have it, then pressed really quickly and we gave the ball back to them. I thought we turned a corner in Europe but we have just fell back into the usual performance when it matters. Jozo was awful tonight, the third goal where he just bounced through our whole defence was embarrassing.
27 Feb 2020 22:07:23
What the actual f**k was that? No one showed up tonight, was so bad, possible worse performance than December against the other mob. Did not expect that, only makes the disappointment and anger worse. Joke.
27 Feb 2020 22:08:05
Best team won, defending has been a issue for long enough. Tactically out played, midfield not creating enough. need to bounce back.
27 Feb 2020 22:08:47
That tonight proves we are better suited to the 2nd leg being away from home because like Cluj we done the hard work in the first leg and then Lennon is too cautious in his team selection for the home second leg. If we were playing a top European club I could understand the formation and lineup but not Copenhagen. Lennon should have let them worry about us instead of the other way about. I am not too upset because I feel we will go on now and complete the quadruple treble with no other distractions. What I am disappointed about is we didnโt learn from our mistakes from the Cluj knockout tie.
28 Feb 2020 09:11:37
Reserve team Will Play better and with much hunger.
27 Feb 2020 21:47:33
What is Rogic still on the field for? Clearly knackered after 60 mins. Team selection was mince from the outset.
27 Feb 2020 21:54:06
Totally agree, changing tactics at home when we have been playing so well makes zero sense what so ever, that was painful to watch, second to every ball, our touch was poor, link up play was worse, and our positioning even worse, awful.
27 Feb 2020 21:58:13
As long as Brown is in midfield this Celtic team will never play to its full potential, it was just our bad luck that Ntcham was injured and Christie was suspended tonight, don't know why Soro was bought if he doesn't get a chance to settle into the team by playing the last few weeks, then he could have played tonight, Brown should be only used from the bench.
27 Feb 2020 22:00:22
Missed most of it because of streaming problems all night; but saw enough to see a good few never really got out the blocks from KO.
As usual we missed a fair few chances - as is happening far too often - but we gave away possession and made too many defensive errors to win any game - never mind a EC tie, in the balance.
The team was good enough to win IF hey had all done their jobs. However, this was not the case and NL took too long to see it and change the personnel and system.
The penalty was a Godsend, but we lost the plot immediately after it and once again we are talking about learning lessons and players not handling big game pressure and that's a shame after the way the team has played after the winter break.
So, Sevco stay in Europe for another couple of games, but we have to shake this off and retain our trophies and take the disappointment out on the rest of the domestic opposition H and A.
27 Feb 2020 22:04:08
Nailed it. Eddie totally isolated up front with no one to play off.
I've never been convinced by Sumo. Constantly gets caught out and making stupid rash challenges.
27 Feb 2020 22:14:28
big julien must be saying what are these 2 clowns beside me playing at 2 of the softest centre half I've seen at parkhead in all my years.
27 Feb 2020 21:22:39
Jozo having a mare.
27 Feb 2020 21:47:15
Rogic has been awful, shocking performance tonight slow and poor in possession.
27 Feb 2020 18:46:55
Very sensible team selection tonight. The personnel chisen allow us to switch formation from 352 to 433 (Ajer to RB) . When Copenhagen changed foemation last week we couldn't respond until we made subs.
{Ed007's Note - I'm thinking Ajer is starting at RB in a 4-2-3-1.....
27 Feb 2020 18:55:59
When they switched last week it turned the game. We are in a much better position to change 'in game' with this team. I think it'll be 352 to start.
27 Feb 2020 19:10:04
I think it's a 3511 formation with mo in no 10 role.
{Ed007's Note - 4-3-3 according to the team sheet, Cory. I've posted it on the rumours thread.}
27 Feb 2020 19:30:38
Keeps them guessing. And means we can change formation during the match without making subs.
{Ed007's Note - BT Sports have it as a 4-2-3-1 ๐๐๐๐
27 Feb 2020 19:38:47
They are all guessing. We will know in 20 minutes.
{Ed007's Note - ๐
27 Feb 2020 19:40:06
BBC have it as 3511 going by how the team is ordered. But it means nothing.
{Ed007's Note - The thing is that in the EL the players are listed by numbers whereas for domestic games they're listed in formation.... ๐คฌ it lol
27 Feb 2020 19:42:55
Sky has 352. Not that they are usually accurate ๐.
{Ed007's Note - ๐
27 Feb 2020 17:00:43
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new player profile about, Hakim Ziyech
27 Feb 2020 16:23:04
When the last 16 draw is made does the team drawn first play the first game at home?
27 Feb 2020
New image uploaded to the
Celtic Player Sightings page entitled, 352 tonight?? If so big call on Forrest or Frimpong, I'd go Forrest. Limited option in midfield.
27 Feb 2020 16:10:05
Well that's the girls home and being fed and watered and then off to Paradise.
Am I confident? I WAS until one of the girls mentioned extra time and, whisper it, the dreaded penalties, Celtic's record in these penalty shootouts is not great, so here's hoping French Eddy has his shooting boots on.
27 Feb 2020 16:52:51
Eddy first goal and 4-0.
27 Feb 2020 14:11:25
My team for tonight:
Forster
Frimpong
Ajer
Jullian
Taylor
Brown
McGregor
Rogic
Forrest
Elyanoussi
Edouard
Simo and Griff on the bench if we want to slip into a 3-5-2.
27 Feb 2020 14:38:33
Really good team Stevie would go with that.
27 Feb 2020 14:52:14
Thatโs the same team Celtic tv predicted.
I think Lenny will play 3-5-2
Forster
Jozo. Jullian. Ajar
Forrest. Rogic. Brown. McGregor. Taylor
Eddy. Griffiths.
27 Feb 2020 15:10:37
That's the team I would go with Buzz Bomb.
For me Frimpong just isn't back to fitness/ sharpness and had a nightmare last week.
27 Feb 2020 15:36:27
It's crucial not to concede so maybe leave Frimpong on the bench?
Forster
Ajer Simunovic Jullien
Forrest Brown Rogic McGregor Taylor
Eddie and Griff.
27 Feb 2020 17:20:46
Be interesting to see who'll be on the bench. Elhamed and Soro were played for 62 and 76 mins respectively against the Hibs in the Reserve Cup semi. Might see Bitton preferred to Simo tonight in the back 3, with Elhamed coming on if changing to a 4.
27 Feb 2020 18:39:58
Just Eddy upfront to start. Surprised at the starting 11.Back to a back 4.
27 Feb 2020 18:47:00
Looks like 3-1-4-1 with Brown in between the back 3 and a midfield 4.
{Ed007's Note - I'm thinking Ajer is starting at RB in a 4-2-3-1.....
27 Feb 2020 13:15:55
Wont be on the live chat much tonight lads. Hey stop cheering at the back!
Taking the wean to her first night and European game tonight. Hopefully shes in for a treat.
{Ed007's Note - Good stuff, Kev ๐ I hope you and the wee one have a great night and are celebrating a win.}
27 Feb 2020 13:38:17
Enjoy Kev, hopefully bring us luck!
27 Feb 2020 13:38:46
Your chats won't be missed keV. ๐คฃ๐คฃ I will be in it keeping the lads up to date. Let's get a convincing win tonight lads and get ready for Sunday HH.
27 Feb 2020 14:07:59
Hope the wee yin brings us luck kev.
27 Feb 2020 15:36:09
Now that I've stopped cheering ๐๐๐, hope you and the Ghirl leave Paradise cheering HH.
27 Feb 2020 15:50:29
A don't know how yous all manage to watch the game while posting on the live chat, not a criticism its just that I can't do it. Probably cos i've got a bottle in one hand ๐๐.
{Ed007's Note - I struggle doing it if I'm watching the game on my laptop but most of the time I have it on the TV.}
27 Feb 2020 16:22:38
Make sure you sort us a good stream kev.
27 Feb 2020 16:29:24
My old man going as well. 3 generations.
{Ed007's Note - Poor old guy having to listen to you for an hour and a half ๐ I hope for his ear's sake Forrest has a good game.}
27 Feb 2020 17:01:38
Good show Kev: Hope you're both cheering heartily come the end.
27 Feb 2020 17:46:54
IV been on a few times some gd chats will be there tonight need someone to moan to about the game and someone to celebrate it with. HH.
27 Feb 2020 18:01:30
Aye ed I suppose it would help if I could type with more than one finger.
{Ed007's Note - ๐
27 Feb 2020 12:27:19
Copenhagen have released a statistic that is impressive. In their last 28 European games they have not conceded more than one goal.
It makes it more impressive when Celtic have conceded more than one goal 7 times over that same period.
I still think Celtic will score 3 goals tonight.
27 Feb 2020 12:59:59
Should've had about 5 goals last week. Hopefully we will be more clinical tonight and get a few quick goals and take the pressure off.
27 Feb 2020 17:27:16
Another stat for the Bhoys to blow away tonight.
27 Feb 2020 12:24:45
Just hope that if Brown is fit to play tonight that he's not short with his passes, putting his team in bother. He's been guilty of that recently and at this stage of the competition he needs to be careful. Can remember the bollocking he gave Dembele when he was short with his pass to Brown - Man City 3-3 game?
The whole team needs to be on their top game tonight. Just think of the embarassment with the southern mob getting through to the next round if we don't.
27 Feb 2020 12:55:45
Stengo calm doon u could highlight loads of errors from a multitude of players and there not been many fae broony.
27 Feb 2020 22:04:45
I rest my case.
27 Feb 2020 10:35:27
A lot of the media outlets building us up as massive favs for tonight, and all of them wanting us to fail, real scumbags. I hope we pull out all the stops tonight and waltz through.
27 Feb 2020 13:30:12
Well we should have won last week and we're at home so why not. we just need to be careful not to concede early and go chasing it.
27 Feb 2020 13:41:43
Never mind them malika20 it won't change it would kill them to say what we have done in 9 years will never be done again. The final nail on there coffin will be them trying to stop 10. Its up to us to keep shutting them up. HH.
27 Feb 2020 17:30:44
The only time they big us up is after we lose to them or after they have had a good win. we will go through tonight. Imagine having to listen to them flying the flag for Scotland, or is it England no Germany, Northern Ireland, i don't know. oh well you get my drift.
27 Feb 2020 10:23:34
Hi Ed, will the game be streamed tonight?
{Ed007's Note - Yes mate, as it's on BTSports there should be plenty of streams about tonight. It's only when it's only on CelticTV that they seem to be blocked although I know a few folk who got one on Sunday there so fingers crossed that either Celtic's relaxed their stance or some wee geek has cracked it.}
27 Feb 2020 11:14:18
Thanks appreciated as ever, ill have a wee kip and get up for it. Currently trying to figure out how to get past the big lizard at the front door๐.
{Ed007's Note - Hahaha is that dinosaur still there? Remember it's an 8 p.m. UK time kick off tonight.}
27 Feb 2020 12:08:43
Yep, 4am here its on so looking forward to it. I swear it's getting bigger, have tried to pretend I'm dealing with it but I'm not lol. Locally they are supposed to be good for karma so maybe just making an appearance to cheer on the Bhoys. Cheers pal.
{Ed007's Note - What's it eating, stray cats and dogs? ๐
27 Feb 2020 16:21:03
I get all the Celtic games on my iptv home ones on a Saturday 3pm kick off! The guy gets it from South America Iโm not naming where but has all the uk commentary itโs a great service! Mon the hoops let's go through with a bit to spare as someone said earlier there will be a lot of folk praying we go out tonight. letโs get behind Neil and the Bhoys! ๐๐ฎ๐ช.
27 Feb 2020 07:54:22
Have Celtic and the other mob met in European competition before?
27 Feb 2020 07:39:01
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Review Of The Day 27th February 2020