‘Was ranting like a madman’ ‘It will never work!’ ‘absolutely clueless’ The picture that sinks Ange-ball
Just a couple of weeks ago most Celtic fans were fully on-board for Ange-ball.
The exciting new game that involves a high press and inverted full-backs crushed Dundee and St Mirren with a flood of goals and possession.
After a few recent wobbles it looks like crash and burn time for Celtic fans as an efficient and competent Bayer Leverkusen strolled off 4-0 victors in the more demanding Europa League.
Celtic Park is no longer a Fortress, even Brendan Rodgers’ side took a few sore ones but being praised for the atmosphere under the disco lights isn’t much fun as you watch your team getting torn apart. Especially when it seems all too predictable.
With Greg Taylor and Josip Juranovic out injured Ange Postecoglou didn’t have much choice when it came to picking full-backs but in terms of tactics it was certainly on the manager.
A year ago Adam Montgomery was a left winger looking to make his mark in the Celtic u-18 side, Tony Ralston was in football Siberia with Neil Lennon in charge of Celtic.
With an attack-minded midfield supporting three forwards playing two forward going full-backs against a side of Leverkusen’s quality was either ambitious or foolish. The net result was a 4-0 defeat that will be raising as many questions in the dressing room as it did in the stands and on social media.
Aberdeen is next up for Angeball, if it doesn’t go his way there will be doubts over whether he’ll still be in charge for Motherwell and Hibs away either side of a visit from Ferencvaros.
If i told you thats Montgomery and Ralston at centre circle and i was that shocked i took a picture- then 30 seconds later we conceded a goal – is this all the boards fault or utter, utter madness tactics against a top German side?
All arguments welcome ?? pic.twitter.com/0LYm5NfpT5
— Russell Boyce (@RussellBoyce1) September 30, 2021
Was ranting like a madman You need world class full backs that are good enough on the ball to play in CM area….
We don’t have that and it’s going to cost us time and time again!
It’s also making it very difficult for our CB’s to play out!
SACK IT! ASAP!???— TheHoops?????????? (@67_Celtic_1888) September 30, 2021
Can we blame both the board and the manager??
— Dembele Dink (@DembeleDink) September 30, 2021
You’re dead right. A draw could have been manageable tonight if we’d set up properly and known our levels. If he continues like this against good (not even great) opposition we’re onto an absolute hiding, there’s zero doubt about that.
— KEVIN MCGUIRE (@kevmcguiremusic) September 30, 2021
It will never work! You need world class full backs that are good enough on the ball to play in CM area….
We don’t have that and it’s going to cost us time and time again!
It’s also making it very difficult for our CB’s to play out!
SACK IT! ASAP!???— TheHoops?????????? (@67_Celtic_1888) September 30, 2021
Not on in match tactics. Im trying to highlight the football side.
The board debacle is a very worthwhile discussion too.
But ive posted a photo and looking for debate on that ?
— Russell Boyce (@RussellBoyce1) September 30, 2021
Had the best view tonight,both are absolutely clueless. Montgomery lost his man nearly every time, not once glancing to see where he was on the outside, always on the ball!! Ralston drifts to centre and forgets his runner left wing. That’s not coaching, that’s just basic! Pish!
— Vinho ?? (@vinho_86) September 30, 2021
It doesn’t matter what system you play it won’t work if the players give the ball away and/or make poor decisions. It’ll take time to get players in who can play the new system better. That they aren’t there just now isn’t Ange fault but the Board’s
— Michael McMahon (@M_McMahon_61) September 30, 2021