Celtic Banter Archive December 16 2018

16 Dec 2018 21:17:33
Man the Celtic fans love a scape goat eh.

Sinclair what a player -- wait no get rid
Forrest is poor get him sold-wait he's player of the year
Brown is finish- no he's captain fantastic- oh wait he's finished again
McGregor is brutal- build the team round McGregor!
Edouard what a player get the biscuit tin open for him - why did you spend that on him!

16 Dec 2018 21:26:55
6 points in next 2 games are a must before pittodrie and the debt dome, Need Christie and rogic back in there as if it’s brown in from start v Motherwell could be a lot of passes to cross halfway line😭Brown has been a great player but looks finished.

16 Dec 2018 21:52:19
I blame rogic for it all he drags all those players you mention down.

16 Dec 2018 22:11:00
Didn't look finished the other night when he came on and settled the team down.
DRB I have been a critic of rogic but I have been consistent in my criticism.

16 Dec 2018 23:26:25
Couldn’t agree more Kev. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster this season so far and I find it quite amusing how a lot of our fans react instantly. I didn’t see it today so I can’t comment on how we played but even as things stand right now, I'm not overly worried. I have said on more than one occasion that it will be a tough season and it’s Hibs and Kilmarnock I see mounting the biggest challenges. That said, Sevco are top so maybe I underestimate them. All in all though, 6 points separating the top 7 teams makes it one of the most competitive top flight leagues in Europe. Compared with Premiership 20 points, La Liga 10 points, Bundesliga 16 points, Serie A 22 points, Ligue 1 18 points, Eredivisie 22 points our 7 horse race is pretty good value for money. I’m hoping we’ll beat Motherwell and go top again on Wed if Hibs can keep their form going and everybody will be happy again.

17 Dec 2018 01:01:18
Players aren't finished some just slow games down when we need to pass and move quicker.

17 Dec 2018 07:28:21
2 holding midfielders domestically doesn't seem to work now it's been sussed out. Brown and Ntcham together slow play down. All teams do is press us from the back and we always perform like that we have done all of last season too. McGregor and Christie seem to be the better option in midfield now. The away form as pointed out is worrying and that is where we are letting teams keep up with us by dropping so many points. I'm not overly concerned yet as January is looming and I'm confident we'll sign the players in the areas we need to disappear into the sunset when our European adventure is over with.

17 Dec 2018 08:52:59
Exactly Celtic don’t need 2 defensive midfielders at home domestically, no coincidence that when our tempo was faster we were winning games easily. Callum and Christie superb in that midfield with a real goal threat and need that pairing back ASAP with Rogic at number 10 that is by far our best midfield.

17 Dec 2018 10:30:52
Bipolar disorders kick in after every defeat. The next 2 home games should be 6 points. Head up to Pittodrie and skelp them then a gimme against a team that haven't beat us in a league game. 12 points collected. That mob have St Johnstone Hibs twice and us. 2points. That will medicate a few till our next loss in the new year. Keep the Faith🍀.

17 Dec 2018 10:31:34
Rogic is our best player when on form and makes things happen, Goals in big games v Aberdeen and them almost a formality.

17 Dec 2018 10:32:18
kev, you were at it on live chat about Eddy too mate, so don't be critical of other fans, when you can be just as bad, we all have our opinions which we are entitled too, as are you, live and let live.

17 Dec 2018 13:50:39
Fife there is a difference saying eddy was having a bad game than the hysteria of people saying he's a dud not good enough and we've been ripped off.

17 Dec 2018 18:37:42
Good point well made Fife Tim 🙌.

17 Dec 2018 19:01:45
It's a shame we didn't get to see much of him and Dembele together up front as that looked like it would've been formidable. Maybe BR still has plans to help him out with a physical presence up there and sign someone in of that nature in Jan. That way we can lose a holding midfielder and play another one up top. Would help against the Killies, Motherwells, Hearts, St Johnstones and Livingston away games where they set up to try bully us having someone that can give it back up front.

17 Dec 2018 19:32:01
Wouldn't say he's a dud, and wouldn't agree with people who think that, but he isn't what we need right now, is he? V hibs he was so off the boil, bad touches, couldn't hold the ball, he's vanished since dembele left.

17 Dec 2018 19:35:32
Brave, I think eddy needs a French player up beside him! Or am I just playing too much FIFA ultimate team? 😂.

16 Dec 2018 18:19:35
Will get slaughtered for this on here but hey ho. Brendan signings have not improved the team. If you go through our squad not many players who he has bought are first team picks.

Goalkeeper Gordon already here. Brendan signing no improvement

RB Lustig. Brendan signing no improvement RB

CH Boyata Benkovic. 1 out of contract and other a loan. Brendan signing no improvement.

LB Tierney. Brendan signing no improvement

Midfield Brown, McGregor, Christie and Rogic. Could argue on his day Ntcham improves team.

LW Sinclair. Good signing not been his best this season.

RW Forrest. Brendan signing no improvement

CF Eduardo. Good player very young and raw. Big price tag for us.

Only real success was Dembele.

Brendan has been excellent developing the players and we play some excellent football. Worry about our signing policy. Is it our scouts, Lawells budget policy. Not sure but this window coming up is massive. HH.

16 Dec 2018 18:49:09
Said on here after the summer window that I felt the board has backed Rodgers but the majority of his signings have been woeful.

I've always been a firm believer in playing the strongest 11 everytime including keeping the same formation.
I can understand forced changes being made due to injuries and suspensions. That's twice now in as many weeks we made either changes to the starting 11 or formation and we have dropped points to Motherwell and Hibs. If we were playing Barcelona or a Juventus then fair enough I could understand a formation change but in the SPL c'mon?

It was back to sideways and backwards paasing again. I don't think that was a coincidence with Brown and Ntcham back in the team, we look very flat and slow with those in the midfield. Also our CB's just can't play a forward pass. Watching them trying to play out from the back is horrible and Hibs knew it is a weakness in us as you could tell by how high they pressed they were just waiting for one of our CB's to panic with the ball at their feet.

Edouard is never a No.9 and I think he's better out in the left.

16 Dec 2018 21:07:18
Rogers did not pick dembele either, he had been well scouted and contacted before rogers got the job.

One thing I must say is how many of the players that were here when he arrived have played their best football for Celtic though?

Rogers has improved the team and that can't be argued even if his signings haven't.

16 Dec 2018 21:20:39
Got to agree kev, there's is a vast improvement with a number of the players who were already here. A few of the signings have been poor but again too many have been "projects" when in reality we have needed to improve on what was already in the squad rather than end up bloated with average.

16 Dec 2018 21:47:05
Rodgers would have never built the squad Ronnie did. Team is going backwards. All our top players are all ronnies singnings.

16 Dec 2018 21:57:30
The double treble winning team that has already won the first trophy of this season and qualified for Europe after Xmas for the second year running is going backwards?

16 Dec 2018 22:17:33
After an 'invincible season' a double treble and another trophy already in the cabinet, it's almost impossible to maintain those standards every week - especially with so many injuries.
I agree several signings haven't worked out, but what about players that were already here that improved, like Forrest, Boyata, KT and McGregor and the improved stamina of Rogic/ Lustig?
Of course we need better quality rather than quantity, but it's not so long ago we were hammering every team in sight, scoring for fun and that includes last Saturday versus Killie.
Edouarde looks very short of confidence, energy and mobility, but the pressure on this guy is immense because of his price tag and the fact he has no other player to share the responsibility.
The goal he scored at Ibrox in the 3-2 game (and others) is testament to what he is capable of; but he needs support.
Sinclair is another one over-relied upon that is capable of better when fully fit and confident and I could mention others in the same context, that will come good because they know they can.
We are all disappointed about the last two games, but we should get behind the team throughout the rest of this month of almost 'hand-picked' fixtures and help get them back on track.

16 Dec 2018 22:21:14
The team that Rodgers inherited from Ronnie is now weaker in my opinion. Can only mean one thing. It's going backwards.

16 Dec 2018 22:31:33
Kev

Gave Brendan credit at the end of my comments about developing the players and we play some excellent football. Have 100% faith this is just a blip. Im concerned on transfer front.

16 Dec 2018 23:41:53
So with a weaker team Rogers is doing better 🤔🤔🤔.

17 Dec 2018 00:57:43
Every one is entitled to there opinion But I can't see how people can say its Rogers Fault yes we were really poor today terrible to be honest but I think some of our fringe players that were playing are not good enough when we have our best 11 out NO TEAM in Scotland can compete but when you have injures to more than 2 we get punished IMO.

17 Dec 2018 04:19:43
Surely this is a wind up. Yes our performances have lacked consistency. When we click we click very well. You wouldn't think this team on the spin have just delivered on the spin their seventh trophy and qualified for last 32 of a very hard group. Nope you definitely would not. We are going to lose games. and some days we might not turn up that, that was today. We will be fine.

17 Dec 2018 06:44:03
Undefeated season
Double treble
League cup in the bag
Euro football after Xmas

Going backwards?

What do you suggest hoppy - sack the manager?

Couple of bad performances and everyone is quick to judge.

17 Dec 2018 08:56:32
As a fan I have to say that if Celtic were winning every game 2-0, 3-0 etc I would quickly get bored. Of course I want them to win every game but the important word here is "game" and it is not a game if there is no possibility to drop points. One thing is to want to win but another thing is to think you have a divine right to win just by stepping out on the park. was wondering that if i would get bored is it possible that also the players could get bored winning all the time and allow complacency to enter.
Having said this I think the board have to decide if they want to spend money on go-go dancers and cheerleaders to accompany the disco lights or to strengthen the team.

17 Dec 2018 09:22:29
It wasn't hoppy that said we were going backwards IC.
Hippy I know you gave Brendan credit at the end on the post, I was agreeing with you.

17 Dec 2018 09:55:35
Island Celtic

If it was up to me i would try and extends Brendan contract. One of the best managers we've had. Development of players and tactically.

Have major concerns over or transfer policy. This isn't just down to Brendan as I stated in my first post. Scouting team, Clubs finances who knows but far to many bad buys for there not to be a underlying problem.


B. Rodgers signings:
M. Dembele
K. Toure
S. Sinclair
D. de Vries
C. Gamboa
E. Kouassi
J. Hayes
K. Benyu
O. Ntcham
O. Eduoard
P. Roberts
M. Compper
C. Musonda
S. Bain
J. Hendry
L. Morgan
E. Izaguirre
D. Arzani
F. Benkovic
Y. Mulumb

Read through that list and consider the money wasted. January is a massive window. HH.

17 Dec 2018 17:24:06
Roberts and dembele were not Brendans signings.
Robert just extended his stay and dembele was already in contact with Celtic before rogers signed.

17 Dec 2018 23:31:23
Sorry hoppy it wasn’t your post that said backwards
I reckon half those you listed get pass marks.

16 Dec 2018 17:23:36
Don't think it's an understatement to say that was one shambolic performance. So so poor following on from a very poor performance from us again on Thursday although it must be said Salzburg are a quality team. We cannot use these European games as an excuse for poor performances in the league.

We never competed today and for me that's unforgivable. Yes we've no divine right to win any game but with the squad of players we have we're surely expected to be able to compete against a Hibs side who before today had won 1 in 7/ 8 games. I wasn't going to mention names but after that performance their can be no hiding from it.

Ntcham- looked like the player he was when dembele worked his ticket out the door, totally uninterested. McGregor, Forrest, both poor although turn up most weeks. brown looked well off it at times. Sinclair AGAIN totally non existent, hooked half time on Thursday, could've been earlier and should've been off half time today, infact for me he's lucky to have started the game.

He had more than a decent game against killie last week I'll give him that but doesn't produce it nearly as often as he should. I know from some I'll get shot down for having a go at the players especially Sinclair, and I don't take any pleasure in it but that performance today was nothing short of a disgrace. Yes we've injuries but my god we've got the biggest squad in the country by a mile. No excuses whatsoever for not competing.

16 Dec 2018 19:14:33
There were poorer performamces than Sinclair's today Garry, at least Sinclair tried to beat his man and hit the by line and create chances.

16 Dec 2018 19:51:11
Totally agree malkybhoy, there was not 1 today for me that played anywhere near a decent, acceptable standard. I’m not going to beat about the bush, I’m not a big Sinclair fan, yes first season he was outstanding and yes he has been our top scorer past 2 years but for me that says more about our strikers than it does Sinclair. Sinclair just doesn’t do enough often enough ( that is just my opinion) . Ntcham who I also mentioned above was dreadful, he looked like he just couldn’t care less and wanted to be anywhere else other than where he was. These guys who are all paid well need to up their game that’s probably my main point. Too many times this season especially away from home we’ve failed to turn up or dropped stupid points to the point where we’re actually making this league tighter than it really ought to be. Today for me was about competing and I just didn’t see a team today that wanted to compete and the players that played today all looked in the mirror they couldn’t really say “ I have my all today”. only one team turned up today and it sadly wasn’t us.

16 Dec 2018 21:11:42
Why is sinclair being signed out when over the last few games there have been worse players?
Today both Sinclair and Forrest put the ball on a plate in the six yard box and not one Celtic player gambled to get on the end of it.

And remember this, without Sinclair we'd be out of Europe right now.

16 Dec 2018 22:05:31
Without Rosenborg we’d be out Europe right now.

17 Dec 2018 04:23:38
Over the group we won more points. We qualified because we done enough.

Without winning 9 points we would be out the group.

17 Dec 2018 05:11:25
That’s very true kwaj, what I’m not buying is without Sinclair we’d be out Europe. Yes he scored in the 1-0 win v Rosenborg, so did griffiths in the first Rosenborg game to get us 3 points as did Tierney and Edouard against lipzeig for another 3 points and just as importantly had it not been for Rosenborg getting that unexpected draw at Leipzig in their final game we’d be out, so to suggest Sinclair is the reason we’re through to the last 32 is nonsense. Look, I had a post last week regarding my thoughts on Sinclair, my opinion ( and it’s only my opinion) hasn’t changed. His first season he was electric, absolutely destroying the opposition for fun, that’s the Sinclair I want to see. I get he won’t be at that level week in week out, I get players ( not only him) will dip in form but for me his form has gone from that season and yet to return. I don’t see the Sinclair that gets the ball and runs at the full backs, getting the balll taking on 2/ 3 players and skinning them. I must be watching completely different games from others.

17 Dec 2018 09:38:38
I never said he was the REASON but he is one of the major reasons.

Even when Sinclair is off form he contributes more goals and assists than any other player.

Last season proved that.

16 Dec 2018 15:15:10
Why did Rodgers not simply play Ajer and Izaguirre as full backs in a back 4. The 3 man defence were left hopelessly exposed when Izaguirre was caught too far upfield and seemingly in no great hurry back to help out his team mates when they were pressed by a very mobile Hibs team. Too many players were played out of position just because we were missing Mikel Lustig.

16 Dec 2018 14:47:42
This is the first time in 2 and a half years that I have criticised Rodgers but today's result is on him. I've no idea why he decided to play 3 at the back. We are utterly hopeless playing that system. Some of the performances this season are nowhere good enough. This is not an overreaction to the result today, this has been building for months. 3 away wins in 9. There's no urgency or desire in the team. Hibs wanted it more than us today and got the result they deserved. Back to the slow boring build up
Play from the back with zero end product at the other end. Big Eddie never breaks out of a jog and Ntcham looks completely disinterested. Listen man for man we were poor all over the park. Christie and KT were a massive loss today with the energy levels and urgency they bring to the team. From an outstanding performance against Killie last week to that today. Consistency is a big problem and I hope we BR sorts it real soon.

16 Dec 2018 15:04:35
Eddy is the only striker we have so he's got to play but not does this boy need worked on he's so lethargic and loses the ball all the time he never protects it and ajer us another that is a work in progress needs to do more for me to safe.

16 Dec 2018 15:04:36
In fairness he admitted that in his interview. I'd have had one of Brown or Ntcham in CM next to McGregor and put Johnston further up. It's all well and good in hindsight and for us fans to criticise a double treble winning manager but I think most of us had a bad feeling about the team today.

16 Dec 2018 14:29:33
Holding Brendan responsible for this . formation all wrong and players played out of position, but that doesn't excuse ntcham not being able to pass the ball 10 yards or ajer never playing it forward ever or eddy just being eddy shows the defender the ball all the time very very poor. get the cheque book out.

16 Dec 2018 15:06:23
The switch of wingers, I assume was supposed to surprise Hibs, but it certainly unsettled us more and the pressure of being the only striker option is weighing too heavily on Edouarde, who seems incapable of doing even the basics and has zero confidence.
Cal-Mac moved to accommodate Ntcham and Broony because of injuries
affected our shape and potency, while Ajer being played out of position (and indeed a back three) encouraged Hibs to attack the flanks, where they found a lot of joy.
We have two right backs on the books who can cover for Lustig in Gamboa and Ralston, but BR can't depend on them and the same in midfield where Hayes, Morgan and Mulumbu can't cover for an out of sorts Sinclair or a tiring Brown
Then there are the guys who can't even get on the bench, during an injury crisis?
There's no doubt we have suffered a lot of injuries this month to important players, who - if playing - would have won today; however, we do have a lot of surplus who will never make the grade and we need better quality in key positions ASAP.

16 Dec 2018 13:23:55
Absolutely honking first half, couldn't buy a goal!

16 Dec 2018 13:54:05
Dreadful mate, clueless all over the park!



Sick of watching this dross every time we play away from Celtic Park!

16 Dec 2018 14:07:01
Every team can have an off day in terms of making the right choices, mistakes etc. Can’t accept the lack of desire. Second to every ball today.

16 Dec 2018 14:18:45
3 away wins out of 9 this season. No more to say really.

16 Dec 2018 12:07:50
Probably the weakest bench of the season today lads.

16 Dec 2018 09:22:56
Two new strikers in Jan! The boss has sent a clear message to the board. Get it done and over spend if they have to.
Money will be recouped when they sell McGregor next summer. Hoping we get someone who can hold the ball up and bring some more pace into the team. Solanki would be a great signing. Will bring more to the team than eddy does.
I'm sure we have plans to bring some complete unknowns in though.
We can't let rangers sign Solanki.

16 Dec 2018 10:06:43
I think your on the wrong site Dustbin King😂😂.

16 Dec 2018 11:09:27
But he also said he'd consider loan signings so don't build your hopes up.

16 Dec 2018 08:36:15
Rodgers saying he wants 2 strikers in Jan. Anyone got any names? Think one will be permanent and one loan to cover Griffiths absence. Wouldn’t surprise me if Shane Long was targeted. Goal record is poor but I’m sure that would improve dramatically up here. His work rate and playing style would definitely suit our high pressing game.