New Footy Season 2017/18 ..How's your team doing?

[Marco]

just a question of money really. they have more than you. you have more than us. etc. Dont know who will win it but they will be potentially close dependent on draw. Barca and Real are other 2 I think. Juve have faded a little, as have Munich although still both top sides. Man C have the most expensive squad, but dont think they are good enough yet. All the English sides have a fair chance of making the 16. Teams like Celtic need a favourable draw and to play well to make it.

Yup, that's a fundamental part of it, but when the players you've got only play to a fraction of their potential, then that compounds things further. What I liked about PSG, apart from their devastatingly good front line, is how hard they worked when they *didn't* have the ball, and how hard they press you to get it back. It's like what Celtic do to other teams in the SPL - only far better!

PSG aren't your typical tippy-tappy, passing possession team, like some of the Italian ones are, or the Spanish international side were a few years ago, although they can do that with considerable aplomb - they WORK their socks off too, and *that* for me, mixed with the world-class players they have in almost every position, makes them quite special.

Marco.

[struth]

often top sides go down a gear when well on top as PSG did beginning of second and Celtic came out with a more attacking mind and gave them a few uncomfortable moments. Their goallie is better than many give credit for mind and he did enough to calm psg and then they went back to fast crisp passing and celtic faded out again.
Its how hard they pass the ball that is superb for me. you start to think its on a wire or cgi A treat for neutrals but painful for you.

[Marco]

often top sides go down a gear when well on top as PSG did beginning of second and Celtic came out with a more attacking mind and gave them a few uncomfortable moments. Their goallie is better than many give credit for mind and he did enough to calm psg and then they went back to fast crisp passing and celtic faded out again.
Its how hard they pass the ball that is superb for me. you start to think its on a wire or cgi A treat for neutrals but painful for you.

Yeah I agree with your point about their goalkeeper, who seemed very confident and assured, any time he had something to deal with, and also had great positional sense. I guess, you get what you pay for, as he wasn't exactly 'cheap' either!

I also agree with your last point, and how hard/well they pass the ball, which simply highlights their technical ability. As for the painful thing, yes a little, especially when the last two goals went in, but I'm a realist so wasn't expecting much out of the game anyway, just a better performance with more heart and belief from the players.

That was the most disappointing thing.

Marco.

[struth]

Think you will be better equipped when the injured players are back. Defence maybe should have been strengthened before window closed. they must have the money. Your off to Anderlecht next and at least a point is needed there, and think you can beat them if at best. Should be a good game

[rmcin626]

Totally agree, Robin. They were overrun in midfield, which is so unlike Celtic. Ntcham, in particular, who'd looked really good so far this season, had a poor game and Armstrong didn't do much either, when he was on the park. And of course Roberts and Sinclair well also out of sorts.

Like I said, they were too passive and stood off PSG too much, which for me in a game that they knew they weren't going win, and at Celtic Park, was unforgivable. Far better having a right good go at them [leaving the park knowing you'd given your best], and getting gubbed, than being scared to lose the ball and sitting off them, with the same result!

However, let's not take anything away from PSG, who for me are every bit as good as Barca were last year, and who will no doubt do the same to many other teams on the way to the final - yes, on that form I think they're good enough. Indeed, along with Bayern Munich, we may well have two possible finalists in our group, which highlights the task that Celtic face playing these types of teams, especially when they're not at full strength.

Onwards and upwards, though!

Are you feeling more confident about your team now? There's defo a major improvement there compared with last season. I think if you can win your double-header with Partick Thistle, you'll have a good chance of getting something out of the upcoming game at Ibrox.

Marco.

Seeing signs of improvement in the last few games, but would be surprised if take anything from the Celtic game

[struth]

Seeing signs of improvement in the last few games, but would be surprised if take anything from the Celtic game

would agree with that....it used to be irrelevant as to form between the sides and these games were looked forward to by both but not now and that is the sad part, it isnt; in that the result is all but already decided, as is the league before a ball was kicked in the bookies paying out on another celtic league champ victory. In comparison English football is on the up still when most thought it would fade. its the potential unpredictability of it that keeps people glued to it.

[Marco]

Think you will be better equipped when the injured players are back. Defence maybe should have been strengthened before window closed. they must have the money.

Indeed, and the effect of not bringing in an experienced centre half, before the transfer window closed, was there for all to see last night, as it forced Rodgers into playing players out of position, and bringing in an 18-year old kid into defence, who although tried his hardest and did ok, was out of his depth at that level.

For me that's been BR's first significant mistake since he's arrived: not having enough signing targets lined up, when the Rivaldo transfer fell through. There should've been a 'Plan B', to fall back upon if necessary.

Your off to Anderlecht next and at least a point is needed there, and think you can beat them if at best. Should be a good game

Indeed, although they'll be no mugs either, and so we can't get complacent thinking that they'll simply be the 'whipping boys', plus let's not forget that they'll also be seeing us in the same way!

We need to try and take points from other games too, which admittedly will be difficult. However, I reckon we could take something from the BM game at Parkhead, when the team will hopefully be at full strength. I think we've got hee-haw chance in Paris or Munich, though.

Marco.

[struth]

wondering how Eufa view the fan attack on Mbappe too. that guy will not have many mates today

[take5]

Its very sad, but the hard fact is that Scottish football is just terrible these days.

The days when Celtic and Rangers were competing at European level are now 40/50 years ago.
Things move on, mainly due to money, but we are now a 3rd/4th rate football nation.

Even in terms of UK level, the standard of Scottish football is really bad. In European terms we are just terrible.
Even Celtic, who are way ahead of the rest up there, wouldnt stand a chance in the English Premier, and in fact in my view would not win promotion out of the Championship.

I go up regularly to visit my dad and he likes to watch it on the TV. I cant believe the level Im looking out. Just such a low standard.
Even my team, St Johnstone, look bad, and they are generally regarded as the most skillful team in Scotland.

Its such a shame, but I cant see anything changing.

[struth]

watching the Spurs game v Dortmund. Great start 1-0 (Son)