It took a while for Chris Sutton to admit Neil Lennon was struggling as the manager of Celtic football club. However, now he’s admitted it looks the case, the former Celtic striker is questioning his mate’s post-match interviews.
Chris called out Lennon for saying there were a lot of positives from the Milan defeat. Not many people seen them other than Neil Lennon.
One major negative though has to be the goalkeeper situation and Sutton highlights that clearly in his Record Sport column.
The Englishman believes Vasilis Barkas and his goalkeeping on the night was appalling and Celtic are suffering for not signing Fraser Forster to a deal in the summer.
“Which brings me back to Barkas. While the AC No.1 was flying across his goal to deny Christie, the Greek was standing as you would in bus shelter waiting for the No.63 as Milan’s free-kick went past him.
“It was criminal. I’m not a goalkeeper, but I do know that you organise a wall and when you do, that covers one side of the goal and you cover the other. You do not get beaten on your side.
“Barkas built a wall and then hid behind it. It was appalling stuff. He just doesn’t make saves. If he has done since he’s signed, I’ve missed them. Not much return on £5 million there and Scott Bain isn’t the answer.
“Missing out on Fraser Forster has been key to the season. The big Geordie came up with the big moments. He made the vital stops. That gave the backline a confidence which they don’t have this season. It’s no coincidence the backline is brittle with no reassurance at their backs.
“Celtic made the last 32 of the Europa League last season when Forster was making outrageous saves against Lazio. Without him, they are out of the competition.”
It’s hard to argue with any of that. The BT Sports pundit has said what a lot of the Celtic fans were thinking after the defeat in the San Siro. If Barkas is a good goalkeeper, we’ve yet to see it. Scott Bain isn’t the answer either and if Celtic aren’t looking to bring a goalkeeper in next month, I’ll be shocked!
Can we keep in touch with the title race until then? That’s another question altogether.
The goal tally speaks for itself, although the defence must take some responsibility for a lot of that between Barkas and Bain games.
Both have been on the end of redicules thumping s where the defence has been woefully inept.
I said it months ago, who is responsible for wasting millions buying the sh*t we have signed in this transfer window and previous windows.