Celtic v Valencia - an "acid test" of Rodgers' progress!

0762 · 12-02-2019, 14:48

Celtic have suddenly improved and that has been cutely implemented by the manager with some clever signings plus certain players returning from injury. So this match v quality Spanish opponents will be an interesting test of how far the Hoops have improved since the end of their successful EL quali campaign. I think Valencia will win through this EL last 32 round but it will be a close affair.

0762 · (This post was last modified: 15-02-2019, 00:42 by 0762.)

FT 0-2 and a deserved victory for Valencia - a "step too far" for Celtic but still a gauge for Rodgers to assess how far the Hoops have progressed. One has to appreciate that Valencia's annual budget is roughly 6 x what Celtic spend. Hence the gulf in collective quality.
Now we'll see what kinda reaction will follow on Sunday - positive or negative this time?

hibeejim21 · 15-02-2019, 10:46

They were totally outplayed last night. Constantly passing it sideways and back and Valencia just pressed them and waited for the inevitable xxxx up.

Brown isn't good enough to play that deep lying role in Europe, and burke is fast and strong but his touch needs to improve if he is going to play at that level.

Still they have millions in the bank so the PLC will be happy.

0762 · 15-02-2019, 13:40

I thought Celtic's play was "sloppy" last night compared with other Euro matches but that does not dismiss the superior quality of a team like Valencia whose budget for this season was approx £150M and remember they are not currently a top four team in La Liga.

0762 · (This post was last modified: 22-02-2019, 00:00 by 0762.)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47252765
As expected, Celtic beaten in the return away leg in Spain but the Hoops performed reasonably well and only beaten 1-0. They played very well in the 1st half but the "pivotal moment" was when they were unfortunately reduced to 10 players by a fussy ref who issued a second yellow card/red card to a bemused Toljan and consequently "up against it"! They "dug in" and gave a reasonable account of themselves with a gutsy display until conceding a late goal. One big positive aspect was Broony being one of the best players on the pitch in an excellent performance v testy opponents.

hibeejim21 · 22-02-2019, 10:02

I thought they played pretty well on the night, much better shape and quicker with the ball but the tie was effectively over 1st leg and Valencia approached the game just trying to "see it out" and hit on the break.