25 Nov 2021 19:58:59
Celtic are lucky we have the parachute of the Conference League this season.
I knew Celtic would compete tonight but I can't complain about the full time result.
It proves Celtic have a good team but not a good enough squad of players.
Ange made 4 substitutions which I don't have a problem with but the quality dropped.
Celtic scored 8 goals away from home in the group stages and that's a phenomenal record for our away support.
25 Nov 2021 20:20:54
Buzz
It also proves we have a good manager and more importantly a good man who deserves to be backed. Eddie Howe was a bullet dodged and Ange was a blessing.
25 Nov 2021 20:25:22
A fair assessment BuzzBomb.
I believe if we can bring in a quality LB then Ralston drops to the bench which solves 2 issues.
Welsh cannot function at European level against a team with pace and when we're bringing on Ajeti and Mikey off the bench it's games a bogey.
I believe Ange will look to strengthen these areas in this and the next window.
25 Nov 2021 20:29:09
HH JFP
In Ange we trust ☘ ? ☘.
25 Nov 2021 20:32:28
I was fearing the worse this season JFP.
But the positivity Ange has brought to Celtic has been brilliant.
Our fans are being entertained and we’re selling out games weeks in advance.
Celtic have won a watch with Ange because his players would run through a brick wall for him and our fans.
And that’s what we want as fans because over time, that commitment will bring success to Celtic.
25 Nov 2021 21:48:12
Although it is tough to take going out nobody can say they haven't been entertained. All of our games have been edge of the seat stuff. We are seriously lacking quality on the bench. If we do end up getting Junker, Maeda and Berg that'll be the MF and FW areas sorted. Still need a quality LB and getting JJ playing in his best position for these big games as he's far more experienced.
25 Nov 2021 21:58:32
Buzz Bomb
100%.
25 Nov 2021 23:28:17
I don't necessarily agree with the analysis here. Hart kept us in with a chance, but it seemed inevitable they would break us down. It was mentioned, Leverkusen have quality, and are well coached (analyse Frimpong for an example, as there is a comparison) .
Look at the Leverkusen midfielders, taking the ball and pressing forward, not turning or simply pinging it back. Moreover, where they were when we had possession, how they positioned, how they moved.
Compare with our midfielders, who were too far forward in the first place, leaving a hole in the centre. When we lose possession, they try and rush back, but I simply cannot see what positions they are trying to take up. They always seem being the play, or too far ahead of the play! (It's what happens when you play players who call themselves a "goalscoring midfielder". )
The quality, and discipline missing is in midfield. There should be the January target.
Ange probably made the subs because he wanted fresh legs/ more energy to try and stretch and pressure Leverkusen high up the park, thus try and relieve the building pressure on us. If it works, we win! However, it didn't, and their pressure paid off.
As said, Leverkusen are quality, and although we got a negative result, it was a vast improvement on the 0 - 4 defeat by the same side not so long ago.