Celtic Banter Archive February 14 2015

 

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14 Feb 2015 22:24:32
Was wondering if anyone picked up on Ronny's prematch interview about guidetti. Said something along the lines of, he can't play 3 games in a week, hinting that he could be in line for a start on Thursday. Not sure if I picked it up wrong though?

LG has done everything right recently - working hard, scoring important goals and becoming a lot more mature. JG on the other hand has had a bad run of form, becoming frustrated and trying too hard.

For inter, my head says griffiths gets the nod, but my heart says JG. I can't explain it but I seriously feel a game like this has the ingredients to help him raise his game and put in a real shift.

What does everyone think? Who is a better fit when both players play at the height of their form?

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I would play JG and LG…with LG a little bit left and withdrawn…GMS and Forrest won't play and so there may be room for both

I think he will go with Brown Bitton and Johanssen with Johanssen supporting JG up top and then you would have Armstrong and LG in there also

not a lot of width but I think we have to play a little narrower in any case and then let Izzy and Matthews do their thing

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I think Guidetti will start in place of Griffiths for his physique as RD seems to be content with the rest of the side and barring injury will play the same midfield 5 as today.
Commons would have been my only addition (in place of GMS), but the game seems to be too soon for him.

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There is no room for letting your heart decide who plays . That's just letting the day that's in it take the lead .
I think Griffiths scoring and set up today definitely makes him favourite
I doubt if he plays both as he hasn't done it all season . However I expect Guidetti to get the last 30 mins or so . I think it will be today's team .

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15 Feb 2015 12:36:43
We have a good tall striker on the bench doing nothing, scepovic actually wants to play in a Celtic shirt unlike jg. I say use jg sparingly and get this guy a run in the team. The boys record for his last club was decent do I have no idea why we are still wasting time with jg who is only here untill a better offer comes through. He has had his chance to sign and didn't. Scepovic has everything to make it as a great striker. Tall, quick, decent movement, knows were goal is

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For me it has to be Griffiths, Inter have 3 of there usual back 4 either out or really struggling, they are used to Guidetti types & hate pacey centre forwards

Agree with Chris that starting CF gets 60/70 mins

But struggling to understand how Scepovic not getting a sniff with how poor JG has been of late surely he is better designed not only for Europe but also 4-2-3-1

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I think the clue as to why Scepovic isn't get a sniff is in his performance at training . When you arn't getting game time, the only chance you have of impressing the manager is during training . I think Scepovic can't be impressing Deila much during training . Griffiths on the otherhand certainly did it in training and since the January break he has shown us all how good a striker he is I think he must start on Thursday.

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14 Feb 2015 14:42:23
i will take the win but I MAINTAIN that we look jiggered .

up top from middle to front from 60 minutes onwards we simply look knackered

credit to STJ today, seemed to put a lot in to the game

well down to big Gordon .super at end

one last very small point

what is it about celtic and TACKLING.we seem to really struggle with the art of tackling

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The players won't admit it but the Inter game is well on there minds and no one wanted injured.

Don't blame them, its the biggest game of our season.

Another win and that is all we really could ask for

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Paradise won, are you trying to annoy certain people on here? Celtic are not looking the slightest bit tired. They are all as fit as any Celtic team has ever been. Can't be doing with your negativity! Cheer up

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I think Armstrong has looked a little tired after an hour in both matches, but that is to be expected, as he hasn't been training at the the same intensity as his team mates . A marvelous result today, just days before a big European game . Some time, I hope sometimes, our posters here will all give Deila and the players the credit they deserve,

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To "sack the board"…an inappropriate name if ever I saw one (at this current juncture)…

no, I am not trying to annoy people

you think CFC are not looking the slightest bit tired; you are entitled to your opinion as I am entitled to mine

you say they are "all as fit as ANY celtic team has EVER been"….an emphatic opinion I'll give you that…

I have a very cheery disposition…as a stand up comic I spend most of my time laughing at myself or laughing at people who have emphatic opinions that often turn out to be utterly absurd

there is no negativity coming from me

celtic deserved to win today
they were the better team
they scored more than the opposition and created more chances

HOWEVER

we were clumsy in possession and slack at the back
we are nowhere near enough competitive in the tackle and we don't score enough goals

i know that a 2nd up top may mean less possession and less chances but our conversion rate from fewer chances may increase to a good enough level to see us through

so you cheer up
change your name
and IGNORE my posts if you find them at all annoying

such a negative name that …cheer up

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Chris02 RD and the players deserve all the credit as does PL at this moment also

another 10,000 on match days wouldn't do any harm in terms of keeping up the intensity levels

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Paradisewon have you considered the fact that people stop going to games cause they can't afford it? Thought you would know that!

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DN30 I am sure that some fans don't go to the matches because of cost, some people are finding life difficult at the moment.
I think though, that the main reason is that for a while now we have been selling our best players, which in turn has led to poor performances on the pitch, which has resulted in our Champions league campaigns getting worse for the last couple of years.
Hopefully with the signings of Armstrong, and Mackay Steven, plus Commons getting a new contract, the club are starting to show a bit of ambition, as I think that is what will bring the crowds back.

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I don't believe that the majority of people do not go to games because of cost

if that were the case why are attendances up at pittodrie…and tynecastle…and latterly Hibernian

it is not about cost…no way…

cost is absolutely an issue for some people but PL won't be looking at costs to fill the stadium …

it is quality…competition…match day timings …cost.

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PW I will crack the jokes, stand up comedian you say. That being the case you would be better off working on your material. To coin a phrase your patter is like water!! Going back to the football. celtic for me are in excellent physical condition and could run all day long. We will be playing 2 to 3 games per week for the next month or so. The players will get through it no problem with plenty to spare. RD will make sure of that!

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The cost factor is a major item with Celtic . Unlike the Provincial clubs who draw a large % of their support locally Celtic's support comes from all over these islands . Our attendances peaked for a 10/15 year period up to 2010 or later . We are still way above our traditional levels. Even in the more prosperous EPL there are many clubs who would love our attendances .
True Celtic supporters would not stay away from matches because the team is not playing well. Any fan that would do that is only a glory hunter .

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Chris every team has glory hunters.
Celtic's 2 biggest crowds this season have been against Maribor in the Champions league, and coming up on Thursday against Inter Milan in the Europa league.
It will be interesting to see if many of the extra fans on Thursday will be at the Hamilton match next Sunday.

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Gerryc i'm not saying all fans that fall into that category don't go because of cost, but there is a substantial percentage this applies to. The economic crisis hit a few people hard, including myself resulting in me having to move away from family to go to work to put a roof over their heads. Luxuries like taking kids to games had to be sacrificed and I know for certain, i'm not the only one mate.

Yes, there will fans who don't go because of the quality of football past few seasons and crucially last seasons abysmal campaign would of put people off renewing or buying tickets.

Paradisewon you are basing your argument on hearts, a championship team who will charge significantly less for games and Aberdeen who do not charge anywhere near the prices celtic expect joe public to pay. Not really a valid argument

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DN30, I hope things improve for you and your family.
A lot of people are struggling to make ends meet at the moment, despite the politicians telling us that we are supposed to be getting better off.
Good luck to you and your family.

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Cheers Gerry, just didn't agree with consesus of paradisewon suggesting low attendances were purely because of lack of quality on pitch

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14 Feb 2015 13:37:31
Yet another terrific start and cool finish from Griffiths, but instead of battering them rapid into submission, the game has turned as scrappy as the pitch and they are getting back into it.
McKay-Steven is fairly quiet but as usual we are dominating possession away from home, but we are not as crisp and sharp this week for some reason.
I would like to see Izzy and Mathews getting more involved in the second half getting to the by-line and stretch their defence and vary the attacks.

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JJ,

did you say GMS was quiet? Armstrong has been quiet; GMS has been a stand out for me

Johanssen looks quiet
CBs giving up too much space between them
Bitton labouring on the ball and keeps getting robbed of possession

Brown playing well

but above all of that STJ are almost playing in a replica style to Celtic and looking pretty effective…

if STJ are pressing, we need to take the wind from their sails by popping balls over them and stretching the game ourselves …which will keep them a little further bag…they are coming on to us more and more and winning 2nd balls all over the pitch

CFC need to buck up their ideas ….

we are in a match …no doubt

and tiredness does appear to be a factor …so me and "sack the board" will just need to disagree

i would be getting henderson and guidetti on by 70 minutes

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Paradise I agree with most of what you said, but i'd rather see scepovic get a chance instead of Guidetti

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A tad harsh paradise IMO mate, certainly a bit more of a contest today but lost a goal that a bit of misfortune about it

Interchange with Izzy & Brown and they couldn't live with SJ movement whole game

For me might have had one eye on Thursday & saving some for that but a cannot see tiredness playing at that pace & an nine times out of ten we always get a game there IMO

ATVB JB7

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Aye Paradise, I take your point but I do think GMS was quiet and only Brown was a stand out in the midfield - playing his own game and covering for Biton who was shocking. (just heard he got MOTM hee hee) Johansen got slightly better and took his goal excellently.
The two ex Dundee Utd lads were rightly replaced as the move and culture shock is catching up with them and they were tiring.
My problem has been the lack of goals in most games when we are controlling a game and creating.
In recent weeks we seem to stick at two in most games where I would expect a dominant Celtic side to go for the jugular every time.
Today was a difficult game and they were up for it, whereas we might have been over confident, especially after another 30 second strike.
Gordon made up for his blunder, but we should have been well clear instead of holding on, although the pitch was a factor and we know we can play a lot better.

We are in a very good position and have won a lot of games away from home, so it could be a lot worse.
The squad - when all fit, should give the manager enough variety and depth to have a great season and it will be interesting to see how he deals with the expectation and the players deal with the challenge.
I must mention the referee today; Mr Clancy - who I have noticed before - let a lot of unfair challenges (on GMS and Brown in particular) go unpunished, but was very quick to book Brown and Denayer for very little; I saw RD have a word with him at the end and it probably wasn't 'Happy Valentine'e Day.'

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It's not a really bad habit scoring only two games I'm most games . Especially as we normally don't concede any of late. A soft type goal conceded today isn't that bad .
I think we all knw the two UTD players would need time to get up to the fitness level Deila wants, but I thought GMS played very well at times. I thought once again Bitton played very well and deserved MOTM

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Hi Jungle

Bitton MOTM left me scratching head too….i would have said Brown

Gordon blunder; must have missed that …if you mean on lead up to goal I would say that is being a little harsh

a fully fit fresh squad would be awesome

referee today was indifferent…not too bad . not great, but over the piece inconsequential

I thought we were a little premature taking of GMS …he looked okay to me but he may be in RD's plans for Thursday …tough call that one

Stokes had 30 minutes and offered absolutely nothing and always looks so heavy legged

there has been a few posts about Guidetti recently and some points about his performance against Thistle …I must be in a minority but I thought he led the line SUPERBLY

I really did….I do not believe that Griffiths is streets ahead of him…no way …but LG has done well and gets his goal game so we cannot complain…

the SYSTEM works when Johansen works ….and the full backs get up the park …but with 1 up top we are always going to struggle for goals unless we have one of those games where they all get on the scoresheet. which will happen from time to time

A bit more tackling wouldn't go a miss either

Bitton should be competitive in the air but doesn't want to head the ball ….

other than that, I am a happy bhoy

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Sorry chris…didn't see a stand out performance with Bitton today …he was involved yes …but nowhere near competitive enough on the ground or air and laboured on the ball when going forward …but then others may have seen it differently

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JJ what blunder??

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Hi rayman; l thought he was at fault for their goal with a fumble. But as l said that double save made up for it and probably secured 3 points.

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{Ed007's Note - *grabs popcorn*.........

Jim, made up for it is right. He was completely at fault. Not only did he fail to hold it, he pushed it back into the penalty area. Huge no no.

Yes his double save, especially the second one, were top drawer but the truth is, had he not cost us a goal when he did, we would never have been under as much pressure as we found ourselves in. (and he would never have needed to make those saves)

STJ were out of ideas. We had made changes to see the game out and they were tossed a lifeline by, yes I'm saying it, a goalkeeping error.

CG has always been a TERRIFIC shot stopper - in terms of our GKs, he's up there with Boruc - but what use is that if he is also prone to being caught out of position and/or palming shots into dangerous areas.

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JJ, first of all I was right behind CG about 10 yards away, he did not PALM the ball it hit his knee.The st. johnstone player got a toe to it 3 yards out. Do you honestly expect any keeper to react to a deflection 3 yards out.All he could do was be in the right position to stop it going into the net. maybe you should be lookin to a defender to stop the cross or defender to stop the near post run or yet another defender to clear the rebound.But no you would rather blame CG for something he could d nothing about. let's be honest maybe he should have held that last minute volley too lol.

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He's miles better than Boruc was.

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-Rayman, I said palm, not JJ, but I didn't say he palmed it yesterday.

With regards to yesterday, he failed to hold it. He pushed it back into the penalty area. Fact.

To answer your question, yes, I'd expect the top keepers to react to a three yard deflection. That's why they are top keepers. I would always look to a defender to stop the cross. Or a near post run. Or to clear the rebound. Just as I would look to a goalkeeper to hold on to that or, in push it to safety.

I like CG. I don't want to blame him for anything. What I won't do however is gloss over his mistakes - and there have been a few this season - as you and a lot of people on here would do.

Sidenote: if you were BEHIND CG and ten yards away, you didn't see it - certainly not any better than the TV cameras did - so to bring that up like it somehow validates your point is erroneous.

-Aindoh - miles better than Boruc? In his prime with us? Let's just agree to disagree there.

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@TPP 1 thing for sure you have no idea what I saw or didn't see. Fact 1: He didn't push the ball anywhere it hit him. (on the knee)Tv also proves this.
fact 2.You cannot push a ball with anything other than your hand.I have no problem having a go at him if he at fault. But let's start blaming him for things he can control.The ball was comin across the 6 yard line at pace and a player knicks in front post and puts a toe on it goalward bound (at pace) and you expect a keeper to catch this. You are totally dillusional, he could barely have enough time to see it never mind move.All he can do and what any keeper would do is attempt to spread himself as best he can.You see many many goals scored from outside the box with a deflection that might happen 20yards out and still beats the keeper.So what chance have they got from 3 yards.

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Why did Gordon use his knee, surely he should have remembered he was goalie and could have palmed the ball to safety .🐔🐔🐔

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TPP, try typing borucs blunders into youtube.

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Aindoh- what's that got to do with anything?

Try typing (insert numerous Celtic flops) skills into Youtube. Means nothing.

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Think the amount of blunders made by Boruc, when playing for Celtic, that are shown on those clips, reinforces my opinion that Gordon is a better goalie, but like you say, we'll just have to agree to disagree .

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16 Feb 2015 10:32:41
Rayman, I do have an idea of what you did or didn't see. Because you told us:

"I was right behind CG about 10 yards away"

So that information combined with my knowledge of sight, direction and angles, gives me an idea. And you couldn't have seen much. (as you say it was "moving at pace"- too fast for CG apparently who was right next to it)

You can't push a ball with anything other than your hand? You do know what "push" means don't you?

For the avoidance of doubt:

PUSH
verb

(To) exert force on (someone or something) in order to move them/it away from oneself.

All I hear are excuses why he couldn't (not didn't) hold it or push it to safety.

"Let's blame him for things he can control"

So what if the ball is hit (very) hard in his direction? What if it's hit towards a part of his goal he's not currently at? Ridiculous statement.

Not sure if you can put this link up ED, BUT:

Here is an extremely fast change of direction, from closer in. This goalkeeper not only managed to save it - but he managed to push the ball to safety. So we know it's possible.

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@TPP as you said you have an idea of what I saw but you don't KNOW what I saw. Anyway who was that goalie in the video wish we could sign him lol. All I know is that CG got us 3 points on sat.For the people who wish to criticise him keep doing it he just keeps provin people wrong. POTY is between him and Broonie. No doubt.

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{Ed007's Note - (rofl)

-Rayman, I honestly can't believe you just brought up the fact it was a CG video. I picked CG for a reason. He can (or perhaps more controversially to you and the other CG lovers, COULD) do it - but on Sat he didn't.

The truth is, he can either make that save or he can't.

If he can, and he didn't, then it's a mistake/blunder/error - whatever you want to call it.

If he can't, then he's not what he once was. (which, he isn't)

As for POTY - maybe you should try and relocate your seats - being behind the goal means you're missing Stefan J this season :P

Again, to be clear, I like CG. I really do. I think he's a good GK - and a terrific shot stopper. I just don't get the immediate need to defend him. Had that been Efe Ambrose - and it was a while back when a bit nicked off someone and he swiped at thin air - he would have been crucified. The goal in question was blamed on him. Although I'm sure you were on defending him to the hilt.

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Who blamed him? I have not read 1 piece that blamed him or seen tv that did. All the pundits/experts are saying he is having a great season. but what do they know most are just ex pros. We have just replaced a 10 m goalie with 1 that we got for nothing and of this calibre too why would I not be happy with him. Will place 10p bet with you that CG will get POTY before SJ lol.

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Me. I'm blaming him. There's a couple of people on this thread alone. Same on KD Street. Sorry, does it need to be in the Record, or SSB for it to be allowed?

A Celtic fan using the opinions of pundits/MSM as proof his thoughts are correct. I've heard it all now.

When did this become his cost vs his value = how happy you are/should be? I already said I like him. I'm glad we have him.

I'll take your bet. And I'll raise you another - a quid that Jay wins GOTM ;)

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" You don't see the immediate need to defend him" strange comment to make when you feel the immediate need to blame him. He won us the 3 points end of on Saturday. We just need to disagree on it mate.

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14 Feb 2015 12:56:43
Jamiebhoy, took that Celtic to score 0-10 minutes you suggested. Beers on you mate.

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Lol sending messages same time JT well done you buddy (y) :-)

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Jamie I don't gamble much anymore. Not cause I've got a problem just cause I'm murder. So you keep the tips coming mate cause I love to see the bookies get hammered. Well done mate

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Thanks Garybhoy :-) nothing better than your line up early mate (y)

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14 Feb 2015 12:56:02
did tip it up folks 0-10 mins first goal

£50 notes @ 100/30 & £50 notes Griffiths first goal scorer @ 9-2 :-)

wonder what odds for a goal in the first min lol

hope you "filled your boots" JimTim (yes)(yes):=P:=D

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Well in there Jamiebhoy!!
What's your lotto numbers for the night?

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Thanks JJ if only a were that good :-)

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14 Feb 2015 11:20:51
Sorry to bring up an old debate but I was interested to see Armstrong's comments in the paper today about the intensity of training and fitness levels at Celtic. He said ' “I didn’t quite realise how hard the boys work until I came here. In training and the games it’s phenomenal the amount of work we put in.

“To get the ball back when we lose it so quickly is the way we are dominating games.

“It’s definitely not easy. It’s a lot of work and I was absolutely knackered after the game.

“Once I get to the levels of fitness that the rest of the team have my performances will definitely improve.

“The tempo of the training will help my fitness gradually improve.

“But it was a bit of an eye opener to see just how fit the boys are here. If I can get to that level in a few weeks time I will be delighted.

“In one of the first training sessions we played a big game. It was relentless. I was thinking, ‘Bloody hell – this is actually really hard’.

“That was a bit of a shock to the system. A few days in the sports scientist said to myself and Gary to watch what we were doing and to ease our way in.

“He’s been great with us and has looked after us really well.”

Comments like this coming from a superfit 22 year old who is famed for his powerful runs and coming from a team with a great up and coming manager, I think, says it all. Perhaps Ronny's insistence in fitness and living like a pro footballer is beginning to bear fruit. A far cry from the days when League 1 teams in England were complaining about the fitness of our players. Keep up the great work Ronny and JC, we could have got ourselves something special here in my opinion.

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It was a shock to the system for a lot of supporters too during the transition when results and performances were very poor; but I think we are all benefiting now.

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14 Feb 2015 16:01:42
Delighted with those comments. Fitness is one thing we can all do something about, I wish RD would give me a bollicking on it from time to time.

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Martyc1888…i think this is about as good as it gets in terms of direct/indirect ENDORSEMENT of the methods

Celtic can only compete beyond the domestic league by being fitter and more disciplined than teams containing (individually speaking) better technical players

a PRO can decide how fit he wants to be as opposed to NEEDS to be ….if RD can set a new standard then CFC will be better off for it

on the park
off the park
in the transfer market

and in terms of our own "reputation"

teams will pay more for thoroughbreds than they will for ponies

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14 Feb 2015 10:06:37
Being my birthday today I was thinking 24 years is a blooming long time to live how does ed feel being close to 90 years old. On a serious note when can we say we told you so about ronny. The football on display has been a breath of fresh air, obviously it's not the finished article and probably never will be bit aslong as there's a consistent progression I'm happy with the football on offer

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{Ed001's Note - close to 90? Well I suppose 93 is close....}

Happy birthday TopRig

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14 Feb 2015 08:43:37
Can I just thank BT for bringing back the comedy on a Friday night. lol

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14 Feb 2015 01:26:51
Another Valentines Day and Sevco have delivered the gifts again.

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They are the gift that keeps on giving. Ha ha

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