Enda and James look back on Celtic's defeat to Rangers at the weekend and whether or not its cause for concern given the lack of meaning behind the outcome.
I recall many a game in the 90s when an all conquering Rangers had the league wrapped up and they lost. There was one particular instance they got a hammering at Hampden by a distinctly average Celtic when they were playing their league matches there. There is a risk that way too much is being made of this.
This is very true. 1991: Celtic 3 - 0 rangers 1992: rangers 0 - 2 Celtic 1993: Celtic 2 - rangers 1 1994: rangers 1 - 1 Celtic 1995: Celtic 3 - 0 rangers Those were the results in the final league fixtures in those respective seasons. In each year rangers finished miles ahead of us in the table. We didn't even finish 2nd in any of those years!
@@Mantis_Toboggan_MD. We were crap in early 90 s even Bobby lennox i spoke with can tell he wasnt at all looking forward to them times . Board were overy tight ..todays board only are in it for the £s made .
great discussion guys, where was alan , i miss him already, a few thoughts, shouldn't be entirely surprised by the result against rangers. celtic last 315 minutes of league form, 2nd half killi, draw against motherwell at home, hearts until they got a red, and now rangers, net xg average of .5, the laws of variance suggests dropped points , and lo and behold 7 out of a possible 12 points. anatomy of a loss to rangers, 1-celtic outnumbered in midfield, james spot on. Cantwell playing a hybrid 10 , celtic outnumbered 4/3 in midfield. gets worse. rangers clearly targeting hatate . have look at the average field position of lundstrom, raskin and cantwell relative to hatate. hatate 13 final 3rd touches to orilys 23. celtic had to respond at ht and they didn't. take more risk , play him higher up the field, or go really funky and move him to fullback and run iwata in midfield, to even up the mid numbers, or just don't play out from the left for a while to stall rangers left side pressure. starfelt needed to step up and take back some control . 2- celtic vulnerable to transition risk on the left in particular. one of the things beale got right this time was starting sakala , rangers number 1 transition attacking threat, similar to what celtic would face in europe in terms of speed. i don't agree with the narrative that celtics number 1 line up would have done better. motherwell has pointed to this problem recently with taylor . taylor and jenz were the major elephant in the room defensively in CL. celtic have known of this issue since bodo glimt pointed it out . 3 celtic still haven't improved in transition against pressing since anges take over. not enough movement or technical capability to go one on one and take on the press. again, this is not starting squad dependent, since most recently killi and hearts kept celtic to lower xg periods than rangers managed on the weekend. there is a decided lack of composure even in the first team under the press at times, and I'm reminded of the final 20 minutes at leverkrusen in the 3,2 loss , as the bell weather in all of this. 4- shot conversion around the box- rangers 29 final thirds optimizable for 8 shots inside the box conversion rate above 25% , celtic 49 final thirds optimizable for 5 shots inside the box at 10%. best practice in europe around 20%. again this is not starting squad dependent , celtic average around 15% in this metric, having said all this, celtic won momentum 56 minutes to 34, and second half momentum 30 minutes to 15 all be it at a level that wasn't going to get them goals . peak momentum data rangers won 11 minutes to 9 , which suggests a fair result would have been a draw given the statistical error rate . i think net xg would come to the same conclusion.
2 positives to come out of this: 1. We now know that we’re not as strong in depth as we thought we were and must strengthen. 2. The Rangers will think they’re better than they are and will think they don’t need to strengthen as much as originally thought.
Yeah, I was feeling quite deflated after the game, but after a few days and a bitta perspective, I got over it pretty quick. We know we won't have another performance like that. Ange's comments to the written media today fill me with confidence & excitedness of what's that come this summer. I expect a shitload of players will be finally let go, so many of the loanees & fringe players and some big incomings. Also notable that Desmond paid a visit today speaking to Ange. 🤞
FAB pod lads. James - are you having Botox injections? You look 18 all of a sudden. Re the match, I don’t think you can underestimate the league being secured last week. There must have been a sense of ‘job done’ for the Celtic players. And, having no fans in the stadium to feed off of. On the other hand, the Ibrox feel-good factor is at boiling point. All of a sudden, Souttar, Lundstram, Jack et al are all ‘superb’ again, and the fans are clamouring to keep them. It’s all change. Over the past few weeks, their fans have been squealing from the rooftops that they’re ‘past it’, and that the club needs a total clear-out. Re Bernabei, it was a difficult game. The Celtic midfield struggled, and, that impacted hugely on what he was able to do. I’d give him more time.
This why I like this show so much. Such a great logical assessment of the game. It’s a team game and selection was a big factor and so was the don’t get injured factor. I watched Maeda when he came on and thought he wasn’t as intense as he normally is as were just about every other player. Interesting insight on marking decisions for the second goal. Thanks again guys. Don’t knock the retirees for having a break.😊 The best thing is they still think Beale is doing a good job.😂
Joe Hart's deflection aside, Kobayashi didn't step up with the rest of the defence which then keeps Cantwell onside. He just gets stuck in the mud where as the other 3 defenders move up together. I still think there's a player in Kobayashi. Outside of this game he's been good, and he's young so he'll only improve. Tough being a centerback as simple mistakes, that wouldn't be a big deal elsewhere on the pitch, can have bad consequences.
We saw last games with Hatate coming back from injury that match sharpness makes a difference. Yet people (not you) are moaning about Kobayashi, Bernabei and Abada who haven't played much at all in months. We're willing to let people off in other circumstances but not this game.
Good, balanced overview. As you say, we have to test these guys in the heat of battle and, while there was relatively nothing at stake, this was a good opportunity to do so. We might need these guys in the CL or in a derby next season. They will no doubt learn a lot from Ibrox. Plus Ange already signalled the importance of the match when he pulled CCV out of it to get his knee operated on….🍀
Great discussion guys. I wish I was a fly on the wall when Ange was discussing his team pick and the thoughts and strategy behind it. Surely Strachan and the back room staff questioned it? We'll never know, but Ange isn't daft and his decision making is usually well measured.
I remember from another Celtic podcast (TMT I believe) that one of the guys from the pod went to a coach conference of Celtic's. Apparently we don't practice set pieces, attacking or defending. Or at the very least it's what the coaches least concern themselves with. I find that shocking, especially since The Rangers have scored a fair few set pieces against us, 5 out the last 8 goals I think. Also heard from the same pod that Celtic don't spend much time trying to counter the other team, so no wonder our match up on the corners made no sense. Hope that's something we look into next season.
i dont think your friends correct. i watch the game videos several times , and there is plenty of evidence of celtic trying various iterations of decoy or second man plays on set pieces. its entirely probable celtic want to keep this stuff classified.
It's a misleading stat though. Of the 5 "set piece goals" - One was a penalty and one was a direct free kick scored off the underside of the cross bar. There's nothing a defence can do about either of those goals. Either the keeper saves them or he doesn't. The 8 goals were: Kent from open play TavPen Morelos (came from a set piece) Tavernier (direct freekick) Tavernier back post header from open play Cantwell from open play Soutter (came from a set piece) Sakala from open play So actually the real stat is TWO of those eight goals from actual set pieces At a push you could say 3 if you count a direct free-kick but counting penalties is ridiculous. (Although, I do agree with the general point that we need to improve on defending set pieces)
I can see a tactical change from us next year, even only for domestic games. We might go 3 1 4 2 which I do think could help with some of the issues we've had against the sevconians and even euro teams. The addition of Iwata and the dual told AJ offers just has me thinking. I'm not that bothered about this game, we checked out a bit. It'll hurt them long term as it reduces the money the board thinks they need to spend.
I had concerns about squad depth long before this game. That said, it was never a 3 nil game, the xG was 0.5 - 0.9 at 2 nil and game over. It was just simply their day, it was like an on rails scripted win in PES, it was their Gold Cup in ideal conditions. All for the greater good I'm sure, they're overrating their losers and going in to next season with hope that we'll inevitable dash when the real stuff starts again. More concerned about how we make serious progress r.e the champions league. Would like to see another couple of 7m level players brought in, the funds are there and it's years 3 of Ange, let's push the boat out a little. We don't need any more cheap punts. New starters fix the squad depth issue.
I agree need to push the boat out but i say for odd 2 x 10 m signings or 8m singings ..Europe is waiting on us getting better but its up to both board playing game and Manager in bringing in better calibre than likes of who he recent times has brought from japan and S Korea ..them guys aint good enough ..we need steel and better calibre of players in say 4 x changes a goalie is in need ..a centre back and midfielder and striker ..ive said about them in my post way above ..If we dont then forget Europe and rangers i feel shall get better and its up to board to play game and stop this 2/3/4 m signings as u get ordinary players normally with such in todays World of football signings ..
Of the squad players who came in (Bernabei, Ralston, Koybayashi, Oh, Abada) they have had relatively few games since January. So a lack of match sharpness needs to be factored in. As Enda alluded to, I think we could've rode our luck with playing one or two of them (if some combination of Maeda/CCV/Johnston/Kyogo/Taylor had been playing) but it was too big an ask for all 5 of them to play together. Abada & Ralston have some credit in the bank as they were both excellent last season, so we at least know those two are capable of performing well. I'd say the jury is out on Kobayashi & Oh at the moment as they've had nowhere near enough game time to properly judge them. Oh's goals per minutes played is actually pretty decent so far, albeit on a tiny sample size. The big red flag for me is Bernabei as he's been here since August and isn't showing much signs of improvement. He's only had the equivalent of around 11 full matches (when you add up his total minutes on the pitch) so that on it's own isn't really enough to go by. But, as I said, he's been here since August and the coaching staff are seeing him every day in training. They're clearly not seeing enough in order to have given him more game time. Greg Taylor's had some injuries this season and yet Bernabei still hasn't forced his way in to the side on a regular basis. So the Argentine is the one major concern of the 5 for me
Would agree with you on Bernabei for sure! It's not off once game these players are judged and he's the one who's failed to really impress in the time he's got.
I don't think we can read too much into this performance. Half the team were playing there first game together. It was about as useful as a pre season friendly for judging players. Whether it was right or wrong to put them in that position is another question. Rangers will take a lot out of it and that may not be the best thing going into next season.
I love the analytical content guys but have to disagree with one point. I really thought we were bullied physically both athletic and height wise in the champs league...which must be our benchmark to progress as a club. So much so that each of the six games we looked very tired in the last 20mins. Honestly think we need some strong runners and physically taller/stronger options in the squad. I'd rather we spent on 3 quality additions in the summer to improve than 5-6 good players. Nothing to quantify this but the lasting image of Simakan ragdolling greg taylor was a symbol of how far we are off champs league standard.
If it has any relevance then it’s completely passed me by. Bragging rights only lasts until the realisation kicks in that we’re currently celebrating a double and looking for a treble. The 3rd of June isn’t coming quick enough now. We’ll see how much the win meant after that game…
The problem is not losing to Rangers but the fact that Celtic resigned itself to a loss instead of continuing to go for it. Ange pointed this out at the end of the game and I agree with him. That is the issue. I am sure that Ange will snap then out of this apathy.
I'm definitely with Juco James about Hart. Lovely guy, but unfortunately on the irreversible decline that happens around his age. We need to bed in a new 1st choice keeper this season, because otherwise late 23/24 season Hart will be viewed like McGregor over the river. Which is hugely unfair on his pretty damn good career.
The result is meaningless but I think when we signed guys like Bernabai & Kobyashi we were hoping they might be a step-up in quality with an eye on the CL & this game made that seem very unlikely
60% of out outfield team not playing. There are only a few teams in the world that have a squad which can handle this. Reminded me of the st mirren game where we got pumped 2-0 (and it was a pumping we were terrible)
You can't get pro-match stats from a training game. Can Celtics second 11 beat Rangers backbone and best team for the next year. Not yet. We now know how to beat that team in September!
Personally not this game im meaning ..but all games i take in and i feel strongly Starfelt is not good enough for Celtic ..ive seen all top cbacks at the club from Billy McNeill, Roddy MacDonald , Roy Aitken and throughout Martin Oneills sides the centre backs were so much better and tougher and Celtic lack some steel at the back and Vickers needs someone taller and a solid c/back good in the air along side him ...And also why bring in this Japanese c/back K0bayashi as they are not tough enough for UK football And OH again not good enough and need rid of Bernabei also and open up them guys wages for better ..Worst player of the lot at Celtic is the robbing McCarthy need well rid of him ..as then opens up big wages he is on which shouldnt be allowed and also get someone in midfield as needed with power purchased and onto wages he was on . Celtic also need a new goalie better than Joe Hart he who never comes for high balls in his box not very much at all and is ageing , time for better purchased in ..and club have millions so no excuses at all on that . And also is a midfielder with steel in need at club an Alan Thompson type a guy he who also can chip in with odd important goal ..with a good shot on him ..ye we lack that from middle of the park we had in the past as said Alan Thompson or similar a Murdo MacLeod similar types were good and them midfield players are in need now . More below v. And a better Striker is in need a solid strong guy who wont be shoved or bullied off the ball is in need so thats 4 positions need made stronger ..and get rid of the cheap dead wood from likes of Kobayashi and Oh and also Starfelt and Mc Carthy out the door and Bernabei as this team needs made stronger as too many are very ordinary as mentioned ^ as it is now this even with winning a treble soon to be Celtic are not much better than rangers where we are now and thats facts Celtic need made stronger for Europe for sure or else we wont get through at all groups first phase . and next seasons assault on keeping the Spl title shall be in jeopardy unless we get made stronger and better for next season in which shall be tougher as rangers shall get better Just my honest and straight forward thoughts on this Celtic team today which is not very strong and some steel is in need along with having ability with it .
All that is true. Ange’s most recent signings haven’t been up to standard and his tactics against Rangers haven’t been up to standard either. Most think we have improved since last season…..but….I personally can’t see it.
We clearly have a depth issue though we all know that Ange would never have rested the likes of Kyogo and Taylor if there was something apart from bragging rights at stake. Now that Ange is aware if he wasn't before of squad deficiencies he has the whole summer to sign additions. Let's face it if there was just ONE game against theRangers this season we would have preferred to lose among all the others it would undoubtedly have been the one on Saturday! It may have hurt our pride but absolutely nothing else in the great scheme of things?
The performances in the last few games against them have been below par. They haven’t all been dead rubbers. Beale knows how to play against us alright.
@@jmcc2275 I agree we struggle against a hard press and a physical side. Tbf, Beale also has theRangers playing some decent stuff at times My own view is that a stronger midfield is the answer. O'Riley has never impressed me and I've never fallen for the Hatate cult amongst some fans. A skilled player undoubtedly when he's given the time and space but much too inconsistent and very easily brushed off the ball when pressed. Imo, we need a strong physical midfielder to take some pressure off CalMac and a playmaker to give better service to Kyogo on the break .. and, er, a new goalkeeper, another CB and another back-up striker .. dead easy, eh? 🤣
The main thing to take away from this game is that the squad is not so strong after all! Having said that it is just about fine for the cannon fodder which is basically every other team except Rangers! And therein lies the dilemma that any manager will have! So let's say we replace the weak links with much more accomplished players - possible weak links are Hart, Kobihashi, Bernabei, Hatate (no, that is not a misprint! but they would ofcourse get good financial return for him). I would have reservations with Ralston also and is Taylor good enough for our CL campaign? Forrest and McCarthy will almost certainly not be around after June. Now to the accomplished players we bring in who let's say hit the ground running? Are such players going to be happy warming the bench each week cue GG! We know the answer to that and then there would be a few more GG's. Problem for Celtic is they need to get to a more competitive playing environment. They will never truly thrive and flourish as long as they are in SPFL. Playing around 6 competitive games a season and all against the same team is not the formula to create a healthy vibrant squad and is also ill preparation for Europe. And so it has been like this for years but this reality seems to be taboo amongst the many celtic forums.
One of the hardest things for a Celtic manager is going to be having a squad capable for a European push without the quality of players on the bench getting pissed off. It's a unique balancing act.
There was no problems week. There's still no problems. Hopefully the treble and improve again. Leave the also rans and their mythical rebuild to try and catch up. Nothing changes.
They are all squawking about this massive rebuild. Who is going to finace this rebuild ! No CL money as yet and the usual sugar daddies are reluctant to throw good money after bad again.
Just thank the team for actually sealing the title last Saturday against Hertz ! If the huns had stopped us winning the league in their patch can you imagine the bragging from them.
It always matters getting beat aff that mob!! And let’s not hide it we have been flat for the last few week, it’s a wake up call we needed non the less
actually based on his field posi and touch data there is an argument that can be made that he was too central, and should have played wider on the weekend
@@mahaishraja5449 I was talking about him as a player in general over a season,I have seen him silky on the ball,but off the ball watch him In any game.he doesn't look for the space to receive the ball,he's slow too.hes so frustrating to watch ,I was so relieved when iwata came on for him in the cup game.
Aw please geez peace we all know we know that's not Ange first pick team. There are about 8 that could've started and the bench is over flowing the guys he started with never took their chance and once you lose a few goals it was hard enough to get back look at the many games we only win one nil or two nil we are not Necessarily putting teams away even though we scored 35 goals more than second place
