Chris Sutton thinks that losing to Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup Final can be a good thing for Celtic.
There is a certain strange logic to that claim even if the hurt from Hampden will take a long time to clear.
With 80 minutes played Celtic looked on course to complete the treble but Kasper Schmeichel failing to deal with a routine cross has put a very different complexion on the season.
Whatever else was won the season ended flat. The progress over the season was put in contect, the flaws, mistakes, lack of variety in tactics and squad depth has been discussed in detail.
After a first half in which Celtic had 84% possession in a national final but swamping teams has become part of the problem with a lack of punch and cutting edge.
Sutton likes to go against the grain, throw up a different opinion, in the Daily Record he claims:
I can’t help but think the defeat was a GOOD thing for the club in the long run.
I mean that. If Kasper Schmeichel hadn’t made that uncharacteristic mistake, or if Daizen Maeda had stuck away that last chance, the entire story would have been different.
Celtic would have completed the clean sweep, everything would have been sen as hunky dory.
But it would have papered over some of the recent cracks.
Listen, it’s still a phenomenal achievement winning the Double. Regardless of what anyone thinks, it’s tough to win two out of three never mind the job lot.
Celtic have made it look easy in recent years and they could well have done it again this time but for some big moments at Hampden last week.
That doesn’t get away from the fact this is a team that is in real need of refreshing.
They should be proud of their achievements this term. But the defeat to Aberdeen has made them feel a little uncomfortable and maybe now some have cottoned on to the fact there is work to be done.
Is Michael Nicholson doing a world class job as Celtic CEO?
YES- We are lucky to have such a visionary leader
No- Where is he and what does he actually do?
Since Hampden virtually nothing has been heard from Celtic.
With the first pre-season match coming on July 8 away to Cork City fans will be expecting the clubs financial might be be reflected in transfer activity with a squad capable of handing the Champions League Play Off and going on to match or better the Champions League 24/25 performance.
We all know it’ll be the 1st Sept before we hear anything from Celtic or the board.
Big Pete doesn’t like spending his bonus and will spend the whole window shopping for “prospects”.
Unfortunately the Frimpong windfall only confirms to him that’s the only way to do business.
Not sure I agree with Mr. Sutton on this….
If the plan is to play the slow, square sideways football again…then we’d need to sign world beaters to make it work…and that is something we won’t do.
It was perfectly obvious that the Aberdeen manager learned from the 5-1 hammering…and put it to good use.
BR, on the other hand, is one dimensional and nothing changes.
It has to be recognised that, against packed defences, we struggle with the end product…our final pass/cut-back/ crossing, is at times…woeful…an there is no point in having in excess of 80% possession…and losing the game.
Something needs to change…
Over to you BR.
Agree with just about all of that, TN, and parts of others’ comments.
Jock Stein, if the story is correct, took a full squad to a mining area near Glasgow and told them, “….see these guys, they pay your wages. So, when you run out in front of them, make sure you ENTERTAIN them with your skills.” Or words to that effect. Possession fitba is fukkin chronic to watch, unless it’s like Barca under Guardiola, and we won’t be bringing in a Messi, Iniesta or the like. So Celtic and Brendan, FFS remember fitba’s supposed to be entertaining. One thing that would help is using the wings much more and being bold enough to take opponents on and deliver great balls into the box. It hugely diminishes offside calls too!
BTW, I bemoaned the vote thingy about Nicholson recently, shocked that nearly 10% felt he was actually doing something good. That figure has now surpassed 10%! So, can multiple votes be done by the few clowns who think Lawwell’s glove-puppet has been good for Celtic FC or do we actually have in excess of 10% of our supporters who are as thick as huns? Deary me, I really hope not
Big Pete,
Spent £50, Million within the last Year.
I’m more concerned Who’s spending it.
The squad news better fresh faces.
Hopefully our Manager, has few Ace’s up
His sleeve..
Not holding my breath…
84% possession is frankly horrible to watch. One team hogs the ball and takes zero risks, so no attempts at defence splitting passes, movement off the ball is nil and ball moving across and back at a snails pace. Other team closes all the space. Pure mince. I do not enjoy Rodgersball one little bit.
Cup Finals, unfortunately means winning regardless of boring football miss chances. Awful decisions and bad luck.
Nothing else matters. Only wining.
Plenty of unanswered questions will never be asked or answered.
Why Sell our best striker.
Still in 3 competitions.
Why no replacement.
Why buy A striker at £9. MILLION
how many games did he start and finish.
Why sub him when the game started to open up.
Why remove him at. 1-0.
When every possible ability of
Another 30, Minutes.
To late now it’s history..
Another day in Paradise. We will hopefully come back stronger..H H
I don’t enjoy Rodgersball either Dan but I very much do love the trophy count of the said Rodgersball…
But he’s NOT had a great 2025 has our Brendan Bhoy…
And if doesn’t change then both he and us will not be having a great 2026 either I hate to say !