17 Aug 2022 10:40:48
This might be an unpopular comment but I still believe that Ange made the correct decision, to play a weakened side on the plastic pitch away to Bodo.
The damage was done from the 1st leg and I believe the plastic pitch was a huge factor in his decision.
Celtic went on to maintain our unbeaten league run since last September and we won the league title.
Ange worked wonders in his first season and I believe he got all the big decisions correct.
Last season was massive due to the huge prize waiting for the league winners.
It means Ange can build on last season and take Celtic up a level or two.
It will also mean a gap will appear domestically.
17 Aug 2022 11:16:06
No disagreement from me, Ange had to take a pragmatic approach regarding Europe last season as I think an extended run in that tournament wouldn’t have helped us domestically at all.
17 Aug 2022 12:28:39
I always said - after the disaster of the previous season - Ange had a big enough job repairing the damage; challenging for the title and even though we saw some very decent displays in Europe, it was all about regaining domestic dominance, while rebuilding almost an entire team. Long term planning and reorganization.
This season has seen an unbeaten pre-season and a fantastic start to the league campaign because due to last season's priorities, we had none of those dodgy qualifiers that we have struggled with recently. The close season has also see some amazing work done in the transfer market - in both directions and possibly even more business done? Champions League group-stage will be a few steps up from domestic opposition, but we have a very good settled side in all areas, playing with confidence and style, possibly the strongest squad for years with great team spirit and hunger.