EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 07: Ex-Celtic player Chris Sutton during a cinch Premiership match between Hibernian and Celtic at Easter Road Stadium, on February 07, 2024, in Edinbugrh, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Foy/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Chris Sutton has labelled Celtic’s defeat to Stuttgart as embarrassing.
Without being anything more than competent the German side cruised to a 4-1 first leg lead leaving the return leg academic.
In 2003 Celtic were leading Stuttgart 5-1 after just 10 minutes of the second leg. True it got a bit too close for comfort late on but Celtic genuinely went head to head with Stuttgart in 2003.
Thursday night was nothing like that.
From the team sheet to the fans Celtic were almost unrecognisable.
O’Neill is in his second stint as interim manager, trying to shore up the various issues and get a credible team on the pitch.
Domestically the veteran boss is managing to do that, but only just.
SUTTON WATCHES EUROPEAN DECLINE
Europe is an entirely different playground.
In November Midtjylland illustrated that.
Mostly Europa League opponents are mediocre with questionable motivation.
At this stage teams are starting to take it more seriously.
After three demanding domestic matches that went all the way Celtic were ill-equipped to even compete with Stuttgart:
In the Daily Record Sutton didn’t hold back with his thoughts on Thursday’s defeat from Stuttgart:
As for the performance, was anyone really surprised? Celtic have been getting by against teams in Scotland – sometimes only just – but they were always going to be found out against better quality like the Germans.
It was embarrassing really, and all the more shocking a year on from pushing Bayern Munich all the way in the Champions League.
The response in Scotland is the key now. This next spell will define the season and O’Neill has some big calls ahead.
None more so than over his goalkeeper. I said it a few weeks ago that time was up for Kasper Schmeichel.
This is not joining in the pile on but it’s clear he’s struggling, in terms of his fitness, his agility and now his confidence.
It’s no disgrace. The end comes to us all, unfortunately.
I’d still be great in the dressing room now but having top patter alone doesn’t win points.
It looks like O’Neill has some serious decisions to take, starting on Sunday at home to Hibs.
Standing by Schmeichel would be taking loyalty too far.
For full focus Celtic have two trips to Ibrox coming up on March 1 and 8. In-between Celtic face Aberdeen with those matches deciding whether there is anything to play for in the spring time.
Why the need to everytime relate back to bayern game. Old fckn hat.
Get back in and support team,just don’t buy any merchandise or food. After all you have already paid your ticket money and you ain’t getting that back. In this together. Hail Hail
Every Celtic fan knew this team weren’t good enough to compete in Europe (I actually think getting through the league stage was an accomplishment) however on the bright side the tie now gives Martin an excellent opportunity to experiment with other formations and players…..
I’d love it if this tie ended up shaping the remainder of our season by forming a winning ingredient, ideally a formation that can accommodate two strikers wae Ox playing as a No10……
HH
If Kasper lines up against Hibs, I’m switching off.
We will be more or less 1 down before a baw is kicked, that’s how bad he is now.
I’d go as far to suggest Hibs will beat us if he’s between the sticks, they will fancy their chances from anywhere having watched his last 3 games.
It’s all about giving yourself the best chance, Kasper in goal is no longer our best chance.
Kasper has sadly stayed between the sticks a season (or two) too long. Time for change.
A shocking goalie performance for sure. As was the shameful booing during the match. I’ve seen teams being booed off the pitch but, in sixty-plus years of supporting, singling out one of our own players for such treatment in the middle of a match is a new and disturbing development.
In what has become an emergency season with all the club needing to pull together until the season ends, let us not forget those who chose instead to take advantage of the moment to disrupt our traditions (open to all), games (protests), transfer policy (no Israelis or Jews) and undermined our manager (accused deflection actor) and players. The See Me brigade. They will be remembered by their actions and take their place in history, only just not as they imagine.
We owe an enormous debt to Martin and Shaun for answering the call and no-one can say they’re not doing their best as they see it. A bit of wholehearted backing from the stands would have been nice.
Kasper has been carrying an injury, sustained on international duty before the Scottish Cup Final. For the player’s own safety, he should not be selected until this situation resolves itself.
Hail Hail.
Statue Smicheal at the second goal today !