[Matchday] Celtic V AZ Wednesday 18th August 7:45. kick off Celtic Tv

Europa is harder this year too as only 32 teams means no whipping boys. Iuckily we can come 3rd in the group and stay in Europe.

 

that was one strange game of football last night

we started well scored fell out of it completely could barely control or pass the ball to one another, looked absolutely shattered and that was before the end of the 1st half

2nd half started we looked as if we were a cert to lose a goal in the first 10 minutes of that somehow regrouped but the energy levels of the players were way way off, like they were running on empty it looked like AZ had to score at some point they were cutting through us with ease, they just seemed to be poor upfront and we got lucky aswell as ralston and welsh having their best games id say, making starfelt look crap

we eventually settled a bit better 2nd half and kyogo played a great ball into forrest who squeezed a shot in that deflected past keeper more looking between the fingers at taylor getting ripped to shredz by AZ and then we could and should have had a 3rd from eddie, really bizzare game to watch

i think we need to feed the boys at half time i'm not sure their getting enough calories for anges all energy game style lol

on a serious note though this isnt the first manager thats thought we were way below standard fitness wise ronnie thought the same, i think its possibly a culture society issue players are used to certain foods drinks and them food/drinks arent great for a professional sportsman thats why we have the players struggling to keep up the pace

 

Really liked that Hart recognised as the game wore on and AZ were pressing much harder late second half, that to persist with the passing game from the keeper was causing issues and would only get worse! Playing the long ball out changed things again and actually created some chances for us. Brilliant to see Hart do that and the team to execute

 

Great Commentator! Does his research

 

Definitely an improvement on the usual guff. Just watching the game back now and he just mixed up Rogic for Abada somehow .

 

John Collins nails it in his post match analysis for me.Such an intelligent footballer.

 

If that is the case, then a high carbs diet is needed for high energy football.
However given that the team has been playing a high tempo pressing/attacking game under Ange it is wise to take note of what he has been saying from the start. He needs more players in the squad to ease the burden on the core players who have been playing such games twice a week. And good players, equal to the ones he has as his core group to sustain the momentum for the whole season.
Keep also in mind that this energy use is not only physical but also nervous and emotional energy driven many times by adrenalin. Players need to rest and recoup. Also there has been a short window prior to the season starting and Ange arriving, that fitness levels needed to be improved in a short space of time prior to the Danish matches.
Last season many pundits were saying the team as a group lacked fitness.

 

Can not get my mind off the Bristol City practise match. Dembele and Johnstone still recovering from their injuries. Dembele absolutely butchered by the Bristol defender that was 'tackling' him.

Referees have a responsibility to keep players safe from thuggish tackles on the pitch. Its an OHS issue as well because this is the safety and livelihood of people at work, not simply playing football.

 

Like reading your posts Hammy. You are another true believer - cheers !

 

Ange needs to be aware of the positive options he has with his players so am sure looking at Forrest potential on the left wing, seeing he knows what Jamie can do on the right side.

 

Eddy plays better facing goal than with his back to goal. Playing in the forward pocket central/left in a slightly withdrawn position would give him time and space to do his stuff and work with people around him. He seems to get flustered and shut down easily with too many defenders around him.

 

We need a good backup for Hart signed up. If he gets injured we are in trouble. Barkas no where near as good and am divided about what I think of Baine.

 

He's a class commentator. He's my favourite alongside Jonathan Pearce.

 

I do it for you, baby x

 

I would play Edouard in first half in return game in Holland and bring on a fresh Kyogo in the second half to give the Dutch massive problems right up to the final whistle. This will keep us in attack mode and on the front foot and counteract the strong Dutch crowd/ fan support for AZ in the last 20 minutes of the game.

 

Ralston needs to rest and have a backup in that position for the whole season. Each position needs 2 capable players in order for rotatation to be successful. Juranovic will be an excellent buy. Croatian players have good football pedigree, and this lad can score goals and play in more than one position. Rogic and Viduka are of the same stock. Would love to sign Lovric at LW as well. Then you will see this team in full flight !

 

I'd rather give Ralston the £3.5m as a gift for being so great.

Ralston's replacement is Anthony Ralston.

 

Agree. I realise Ange has to give game time to McCarthy to get him match fit but I feel Soro is able to calm things down with his distribution in that same position in front of the back four.