As we approach two big games this week, both domestic and european, we are saddled with the problem that has been holding us back for years. Since the days of Mjallby, valgaeren and Bobo we have never had a tight defensive unit. We've had good defenders in that time no doubt but never a back four or three that consistently works well together. I think you only need to look at the other lot to see what a tight defence can do for you. Where does the problem lie, Poor players, poor coaching who knows? All I know is when it comes down to the crunch Celtic tend to lose some of the softest goals you will see in top flight football anywhere.
Currently our backline seems to be different every game, be it from injury, suspension or just plain old rotation. In my opinion last year our best centre back partnership was Big Dan and Rogne, going back to the new year game at Ibrox both were dominant and didn't let anything get past them. Unfortunately Rogne seems to be injury prone because I think he is easily the best centre half at the club and still young as well. Charlie mulgrew is a good centre half but gets shunted around into midfield one game then centre half then left back, he has been the better of the centre halves so far. Kelvin Wilson looked promising early on then had a mare at Ibrox, hopefully derby day nerves and can move on from that. Big Dan hasn't looked anywhere near commanding as last year. Although I thought he finished the game vs. ICT well winning plenty of headers. Then we come to Loovens, one word, liability. For those that think I may be harsh on him I'm afraid I won't apologise, a player of his height and physique is what you look for in a defender. However what we have is a big Dutch centre half who when the ball is in the air looks terrified to go near it. Sometimes players just aren't good enough and Mr Loovens fits that bill.
So where does that leave us for the next two games, our full backs look in condition, so at centre back we have the choice of Big Dan, a now fit Rogne, Charlie or (shuddering) Loovens. I know who I would go with, for udinese Dan and Rogne with mulgrew at left back for the cup tied El Khaddouri. For Tynecastle, Rogne and Mulgrew. Let me know What you think of this folks. We have good defenders at our club we just need the right combination. Here's hoping for Two wins in the next few days.
Hail Hail.
Tuesday 27 September 2011
Friday 16 September 2011
A New Hope
Although the end result was the norm in European away games, last night went some way to get some much needed pride back in the European arena. Even Craig Burley, the miserable bastard he is, was kind of complimentary towards our performance. The fact that we were never out of the game last night, even after going 2 - 0 down, against a team which cost probably ten times more than our starting line up gives me alot of hope.
Even though there was the customary early goal, the main difference from the usual away farces was the players got their act together almost immediately. 3 minutes after the opening goal good play between Samaras, Kayal and Hooper almost got the equaliser. Only a combination of a poor touch from Hooper and the pass being just behind him stopped that. The only time we looked vulnerable at the back in open play was at the second goal, only slight naivety by Mark Wilson let them in on the left flank. I think we can take some consolation that we were only breached by two players worth £60m combined. Our Midfield was solid and rarely gave the ball away, Kayal looking like his old self, Ki growing with every game and Ledley keeps the game ticking over effectively. James Forrest hopefully keeps progressing as he is and could be a great player.
The main thing I took from last night was at no point were we over-run at the back or midfield which normally happens on our travels. We didn't look out of place aginst a very good side, who I would say did well to snuff out Hooper and Samaras. With Udinese winning the other game in the group, the Udinese game at Paradise next could blow the group wide open. I can see the other 3 teams taking points off each other, Rennes look like a good outfit and will be difficult to beat. If we can have the sort of Home form we are accustomed to in europe and maybe grab a point on our travels we could be in good shape.
Hopefully the performance will give the players confidence to go to Ibroke on Sunday and take the game to the HMRC XI. Not going to speculate on team line ups for the game as normally I get it totally wrong. All i know is with the Huns using two new centre halfs it will be a different proposition than Bougey and the old man from last season. With the possibilty of Broadfoot playing left back and Forrest maybe on the right wing, anybody else getting excited, we can only hope Mo Edu keeps his place too. If we get it right in the midfield then things should fall into place, this was the case in the majority of Derby games last season. (Note I will no longer use the the term Old Firm, I urge you all to do the same).
To all attending Ibroke on Sunday like myself be careful, got a feeeling the anti - sectarian force will be looking to make an example. So think long and hard about your song choices.
Hail Hail
Even though there was the customary early goal, the main difference from the usual away farces was the players got their act together almost immediately. 3 minutes after the opening goal good play between Samaras, Kayal and Hooper almost got the equaliser. Only a combination of a poor touch from Hooper and the pass being just behind him stopped that. The only time we looked vulnerable at the back in open play was at the second goal, only slight naivety by Mark Wilson let them in on the left flank. I think we can take some consolation that we were only breached by two players worth £60m combined. Our Midfield was solid and rarely gave the ball away, Kayal looking like his old self, Ki growing with every game and Ledley keeps the game ticking over effectively. James Forrest hopefully keeps progressing as he is and could be a great player.
The main thing I took from last night was at no point were we over-run at the back or midfield which normally happens on our travels. We didn't look out of place aginst a very good side, who I would say did well to snuff out Hooper and Samaras. With Udinese winning the other game in the group, the Udinese game at Paradise next could blow the group wide open. I can see the other 3 teams taking points off each other, Rennes look like a good outfit and will be difficult to beat. If we can have the sort of Home form we are accustomed to in europe and maybe grab a point on our travels we could be in good shape.
Hopefully the performance will give the players confidence to go to Ibroke on Sunday and take the game to the HMRC XI. Not going to speculate on team line ups for the game as normally I get it totally wrong. All i know is with the Huns using two new centre halfs it will be a different proposition than Bougey and the old man from last season. With the possibilty of Broadfoot playing left back and Forrest maybe on the right wing, anybody else getting excited, we can only hope Mo Edu keeps his place too. If we get it right in the midfield then things should fall into place, this was the case in the majority of Derby games last season. (Note I will no longer use the the term Old Firm, I urge you all to do the same).
To all attending Ibroke on Sunday like myself be careful, got a feeeling the anti - sectarian force will be looking to make an example. So think long and hard about your song choices.
Hail Hail
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