SENTINELCELTS

The famous Glasgow Celtic handed their rivals a very valuable lesson yesterday, for free, that a good team does it’s talking on the pitch.
And that’s just how it proved, the wind-ups never worked, any mind games were soundly ignored, instead the Bhoys slowly but surely went about their business and brought home the Cup once again.

It wasn’t a classic match by any means, we’ve witnessed better quality finals, but the better team won on the day despite not being at their optimum level.
They simply did what needed done, almost effortlessly it seemed. A very solid side, they weathered any storms coming their way before attacking at pace and with numbers once the ball was turned over, to deadly effect.
Excellent positioning allied with poor defending made the first look so very very simple.
Excellent movement and passing ripped them open for the second.
Job done, no need for third gear, which was waiting in reserve if needed.

Our opponents had no such backup, third gear eluded them even after being gifted a lifeline. I think it’s fair to state they played better during the Ibrox 2-2 draw, so questions must be asked of how they approached the game.
Long balls to the lone striker up against two larger defenders doesn’t scream tactical genius, but the opposite.
Half time didn’t produce a marked improvement nor significant tinkering aimed at exploiting a spotted weakness, the fired up goal scorer was substituted for a striker who scores less. All in all Beale looked out of his depth and unable to impact proceedings from the sidelines.

Ange did make a big impact from the sideline, deciding the best way to preserve the lead was to attack the tiring defenders with fresh legs from the bench, a tactic which worked well as both Oh and Hacksabanovic tormented the team in blue, never giving them a moment’s peace whilst on the park. Beale called Ange lucky recently but he’s very lucky the deficit was only one goal, that Celtic just didn’t take their chances towards the end of the game to keep the score respectable.

This group of players truly are special and they deserve rewards such as Cup victories for their dedication. The consistency shown for the best part of two years has been phenomenal, yet we are still evolving. Being on an upwards trajectory is always exciting, not knowing how high the bar will be raised is enthralling.
Our players are thriving in this atmosphere, many constantly improving.
Furuhashi could grace most teams in world football on current form, week by week he reminds me more of Henke. Constantly carrying the supports hopes and dreams on slender shoulders he just goes out and does the business time after time after time.
Hatate is the bargain of the century so far, and when plays well Celtic play well. He’s became our main man in one year and is improving, how good will he become after three or four years? A legend in the making?
Johnstone had his best game in the Hoops and will only get better one imagines, Starfelt has looked more concentrated recently, Oh looks good from what we’ve seen so far.
Maeda has definitely improved and there’s no reason to believe that will suddenly stop, he sounds like a pupil of the game looking to get better. Age alone suggests Iwata, Jota and Abada will improve as they head into their peak years as an athlete.
Thats a lot of improving to still happen, and that’s exciting.
Ange himself must realize the potential of the group, must want to watch them grow together, and be there for the special moments like yesterday.

The big man was particularly animated, possibly down to Beales bullshit, but days like that are why he made the big move to Scotland and the reason he became a manager in the first place. Every winner’s medal is justification of his club selection and player recruiting. Every success reinforces the fact his plan works, the train is on the right track, there’s a professional running the show. Give the man with a plan what he wants and sit back, how others wished for similar.

Every team celebrates a Cup win but there was something more personal about those Hampden scenes. It felt more like a bonding session than a trophy parade. The Japanese contingent in particular looked to be in awe at the raucous faithful, and smiled like gleeful schoolboys at the adoration pouring forth from the stands.
When big Joe, a man who has seen a lot in the game, goes speechless and simply says ‘look at that’ while holding back a tear, it’s fair to say the squad were impressed by the green and white army on the day, and the feeling was mutual.

Domestically, this team won’t be stopped, not with the current setup. Cups and Leagues will be delivered and treasured, but this squad are rapidly outgrowing the SPL, and must set their sights higher such is their quality.
Bring the winning mentality that delivered the League Cup into Europe, that’s the group’s next big challenge.
A group who are officially winners. Congratulations to everyone involved, sincerely.
May you celebrate often.

By Mahe
sentinelcelts@gmail.com