After taking a two-goal lead in Seville last night, Celtic looked to be on course to pick up three points in the Europa League’s group G, however, this was not the case.
After scoring four goals consecutively, Betis had flipped things on its head as the home side won 4-3. Netting the ball three times away from home and flying home with nothing to show for it is frustrating and outlines the defensive problems Celtic have.
Celtic were poor defensively and conceded some poor goals, and even from a set-piece. Last year, Celtic were extremely vulnerable from free-kicks and corners, but the stories seem to be repeating themselves this year, despite a new-look defence.
Until Celtic amend their defensive struggles it is obvious that these will cost the team some points, as they did last night.
Speaking to Celtic TV after the match last night, Ange Postecoglou admitted he still had work to do with the players as-well-as reflecting upon the positives of the result;
“Yeah, there are areas we still want to improve, but when you come away from home and score three goals and create many more chances apart from that, I think moving forward there are some good signs here.”
Celtic fans aren’t too downhearted at the moment, they are seeing signs of a revival under extreme circumstances. From a complete squad overhaul to injury call-offs.
If Ange could bring in his own people,maybe just maybe we wouldn’t be discussing this so often.Sorry John Kenedy still our defense coach.
The one constant over the years with regard to Celtic’s inability to defend is = John Kennedy.
Brendan Rodgers’ side was the last Celtic side that could defend, and defend well. The reason for this was that John Kennedy had nothing whatsoever to do with the defensive coaching of the team. He was on bib’s and cones duty.
This charlatan has been at the club far too long and is bringing nothing whatsoever to the party.
It takes one player to score a goal from a cross into the goal area. Celtics defences job, is to stop it from happening. The ball comes in at head height, there job is to head it into space away from the penalty box. If you can’t reach a crossed ball under pressure, what are you doing in there. It may take a simple thing like judging the pace of the ball in the first place. Or a shout. John Clark was never the tallest defender, he got things done though. It’s all about the Goalkeeper marchalling his defenders, or a centre back. Someone make a decision.