Passing the Ball about when 3+ up

Okay, I'm going to say before hand, that I know I sound like a grump, or spoiled.

But, anyone else get annoyed when we pass around the back so much when we're 3 or 4 goals up?

I miss the relentless, "we never stop" attitude of early in the season or under Ange. Recently, particularly today and against Aberdeen, we've totally took our foot off the gas and "controlled" the game after a strong first half.

Both of those games we've seen out comfortably, of course, but I can't help but find it irritating that we're not pressing for more. Johnston, Schlupp, CCV, Nawrocki and Bernardo were just passing it amongst themselves. Must be infuriating for subs trying to make an impression.

Don't get me wrong, we've had a great season and I'm happy with how things are going. But please tell me I'm not alone in hating these types of 2nd half performances?

 

I don't mind it as it only happens when games are won.

It's only natural as well, nothing to really play for, a possible Cup final to come and a game won plus in addition they've just returned from International duty, Naworcki and Sinisalo even probably wanting a clean sheet, some of the Internationals also like CCV, Johnston, Hatate and Maeda probably had 20-30 hours of flights the last 2 weeks.

 

Aye I was raging, stuck a bet on for us to get 5 when we scored the second. All seriousness but, I do get you.

 

I get that, but who really wants to sit and watch what was effectively a training exercise for 45 mins when you've travelled in the wind and rain?

 

I can see reasons for both seeing the game out and entertaining the fans. If we can find a good balance in those 3 nil up situations then I’m happy. But I do consider that staff will have more insight into players fitness and would rather be cautious in the long run then entertain in the moment. That makes sense to me

 

Football has changed over the last few years

Sometimes we need to play it about to break teams down

 

Also different managers have different tactics and ways of playing

 

I don't like it either. Like that second half I went and made a coffee, chatted to the missus, etc. You just know nothing's going on.

It's nowhere near as bad as Rodgers' first spell mind. Then they'd go one up in the first 10 minutes and try and maintain possession for the rest of the game. Honestly was the most boring Celtic team I can remember.

 

I think it's a really interesting topic tbh. Don't think there's a right or wrong answer either. Pros and cons for both sides.

For me, I can only look at it from the perspective of a football supporter. Winds me the * up. I'm watching it to be entertained, not to watch players start packing it in when they've scored a couple or a few goals. Am I right to think that way? Yes, I'm a supporter and entitled to want my team ready every week to put in a 90 minute performance.

If I was a manager, however, would I want my team to manage games and keep their condition and fitness at peak level? Too right. I wouldn't be wanting them overly exerting themself at 3-0 or 4-0 up in a game that's clearly dead and buried. I know the job's done and the supporters will be pleased with the win, which is always the most important thing.

I do think there's more scope for a more 90-minute performance when we're only playing once per week. Doing it today, for example, was a bit annoying. We aren't playing until next Sunday now. Could've pushed out a bit and tried to turn on the style a bit more, especially after the last game against the huns.

But can totally understand the other side.

 

Well before the game. I think we all take a 3 nil win. Onto the next game.

 

A 3-0 win at home against a Heart's team that has lost only twice in their last 14 games, and yet some griping about a goalless second half.

Jeez.

 

Worst for me is Jota,Kuhn playing the ball back instead of taking the man to the line, I'm probably old school but sometimes it's like watching a chess game

 

It's a bit of a boring watch as we basically just turn it into a kick about but if we have games wrapped up early then I can't complain too much and it stops our players having to run themselves into the ground when it isn't necessary. It's also much easier on the nervous system than having to chase a late goal.

 

Never really watched the 2nd half.....It was over.....expected the same story....and it was.

I do get where you come from though....Ange was never stop.....Rodgers kinda labored passing.

As long as we win.....but there are games like against the Huns where we play tippy tappy * and it angers me.

 

Can folk wrap the “Awwww here we go with the moaning” pish?

It’s a decent debate. Hardly outrageous to want more than a 45 minute performance at times.

 

I totally get the idea of having to play it back to go forwards, but it wasn't really that. We weren't forcing anything at all, no urgency, happy to play a big game of piggy in the middle with the hearts team.

 

I think you're right about from a mangers perspective vs fans perspective. Thing is our manger is also a fan so I'm surprised he doesn't want to go for the jugular against a team like Hearts. Especially after last game against Rangers.

It's just a type of passiveness that's creeping back in under Rodgers and whilst it's game management, it's boring as * for fans.

 

It's not really about that. I've said I'm happy with the win and the season. I think it's a fair point to expect the team to keep atleast some intensity and desire to score in the 2nd half

 

As been said its a good question with pro's and cons to each scenario. I understand that managers often have plans for how the game will develop and managing certain periods of the game is important, For example, teams often try to overwhelm us early, Hearts did the same to us Last May and nearly scored early but we came away with the same result in the end I would say because Brendan managed the game well from our perspective. He'll know about momentum shift and how to keep the players in the best mindset to keep clean sheets.
I'm happy with the win also, I thought at times we played some lovely football and it makes a big difference to have Calmac at his best and despite a nervy start Kuhn played very well overall.
But just to admit something having said all that. I do feel the last 25 minutes or so to be quite boring and I agree it would be much better if we let Daizen score 5 against them like Gary Hooper. But I trust Brendan and I understand why he might be cautious. Injuries would be quite devastating if it were to key players for example

 

Just get a couple of big players in that will run right through the opposition.