Sutton issues ominous warning to Celtic
Soccer Football - Scottish Premiership - Celtic v Aberdeen - Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - July 31, 2022 Celtic players in a huddle before the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Chris Sutton started Saturday with a thorough criticism of Celtic’s Transfer Window business in the Daily Record, with the left-back position a particular source of puzzlement.
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail applies to more than football, more than sport but was a perfect summary of Celtic’s first performance following the transfer window in which the manager highlighted the need to bring in quality.
Even with Greg Taylor fit and well it was a position that needed addressed, at lunchtime the former striker watched Alexandro Bernabei and Tony Ralston filling in and failing in that role.
Bernabei put in a lively performance as an attacker but was an obvious weakness in his core task of defending. When he lost possession in the 50th minute Aberdeen exploited his absence at the back to attack down Celtic’s left before Bojan Miovski curled the opening goal home against a panicked Maik Nawrocki.
His replacement, Ralston, looked every inch a right footed right back, uncomfortable on his wrong side. Competent coming forward but exposed when Aberdeen pushed down his flank.
Great advert that for the Scottish game. Tremendous second half performance from Aberdeen who really gave it a go against Celtic. Celtic’s failure to bring in a left back summed up when Bernabei was hooked in the second half. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Title race is on…
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) February 3, 2024
Against widespread criticism of the board, management and players Rodgers must try and get something out of the squad for Wednesday’s match away to Hibs.
The Edinburgh side lost 3-0 at home to St Mirren today but Easter Road has been a ground that Rodgers has struggled to get results at, drawing 0-0 earlier this season.
There aren’t many grounds for optimism going into Wednesday’s game, in the two matches since the winter break ended the two goals scored by Celtic have come from heavy deflections.