Celtic V Yokohama FM Wednesday 19th July Celtic TV 11AM

Nothing we didn't know already. Middle to front we look good. Defensively, without CCV we are extremely vulnerable and really need improvements. A dominant CDM, another quality CB, more depth at Fullback and possibly a new GK. This is where the money needs to be spent.

 

If we're still looking like this at the end of the window, I'll be as worried as anyone. I honestly don't think we will, though.
Still about 6 weeks for both new signings, moving people on and getting youngsters out on loans if need be. Also, I honestly haven't seen enough of Kobayashi or Iwata to be totally certain they won't make it here (though it's not looking good admittedly). I thought Mooy, Taylor and Maeda weren't good enough after more playing time than Iwata and Kobayashi have had and they all went on to prove me wrong.

 

I dont disagree with the fitness aspect, or a few of the other points you have made.

What i am trying to say is that if you dont believe the manager has set out defensive instructions to a squad, friendly or not, then you are kidding yourself.

I know things will pick up as fitness and familiarity with Rodgers system does, but not even Rodgers would have expected to ship 6 goals.

What i would say is of relative insignificance is the major signing aspect. We still fielded a strong enough squad.

 

I hope they do prove us wrong, mate, but I genuinely can’t see it. Iwata, maybe; the others mentioned, very doubtful, IMHO.

 

This is what I've been most interested to observe - the extent to which BR kept the Ange patterns. I reckon it's the fast passes through the middle (short passes to McGregor, Hatate and Mooy) that most put the opposition onto a stumblling back foot and it was very noticeable in the Spurs, West Ham match the other night that Spurs were already doing it. Certainly led to chances - 30 shots to 4 but lost 3-2. Same ol' Angeball growing pains.

I hope we don't lose that because it's the best way (I think) to unsettle the block. Constantly going wide will require entirely different targets up front.

What's the word on Abada staying? He looked great.

 

Great run out for the players and local bhoy scoring a hat trick while showing respect from not over celebrating, can only bring us more fans/interest in Japan. Job done and a wee reminder we need another CH. Really pleased the fitba has kicked off for another season

 

People can say it's only a friendly but as I've explained that result highlights the genuine problems this team and squad have and has had for quite some time. Problems that don't seem to be any closer to being solved. The real issue here is that there are no signs we are learning how to defend any better or more sensibly against better quality than what we face in Scotland. If you dismiss your mistakes how can you ever learn from them?

 

Love pre season friendly melt downs years we've been * in preseason have been our most successful.

 

It's the 2-3-5 in attack and fluid rotations between full back, 8 and winger that really mark out his style for me, and the kind of structured pattern I didn't see yesterday. Again, huge caveat is that BR has had very little time with the squad - I'm sure more of that will come.

I reckon Abada stays unless we sign two more wingers. He was brilliant yesterday and could nail down that RW spot under Rodgers. Rodgers always improves players massively and I could see Abada going up a level or two, like Forrest did under him.

I know we need to move on, but I do miss Ange's football. It was simply the best I've ever seen at Celtic. Ah well.

 

I wouldn't underestimate the impact of all that, though. I watched an interview with Naka that was filmed before the game. In the same interview, he both talked about our chances of reaching the CL last 16 in a way that suggested he didn't think it was totally impossible AND soberly reflected that it would be very unlikely we would get a good result in this friendly.

 

Pre-season matches are about getting fitness levels right, reviewing the squad and making some cash from glamour friendlies. Not worried in the slightest .

 

Early pre-season, absolutely... Although, I'm not impressed about shipping 6 goals to anyone at any time...
Later pre-season, absolutely NOT... Those matches are about gathering momentum and confidence going into the competitive matches
Like you, I'm not in the slightest concerned right now. I'm 100% we'll be a different kettle of fish in a month's time

 

maybe our result wasn’t too bad..

 

Aye...watching it the now. Man City left some of the big hitters out for the first half but Yokohama have still been impressive tbf. Really good at building play from the back.

 

2-2 now

 

Decent from Yokohama so far but i can see City pulling away fir a 2 or 3 goal win 2nd half.

 

Ended 5-3 City.

 

Shows they are a good side in form and halfway through their season..

If City weren't flooded with top quality and the best side on the planet then Yokohama likely get a draw at least from 2 nil up..