Celtic are back. Well, almost anyway. After a longer than usual International break, the focus is back on domestic action. Normally, that’s a huge relief and everyone is keen to see the Bhoys back in action. But there is trepidation in the air as this weekend approaches and fans may need another health warning.
It’s hard to tell whether the internationals came around at a good time for Celtic or not. It stopped the pain somewhat after the run of defeats. It perhaps allowed some of the pressure and angst following the last game against Rangers to ease. But it didn’t really change anything significantly, as far as we can tell.
The hope was that as Scotland got their campaign underway, Celtic might change. Either in structure, management, or style of play. Well, Martin O’Neill remains firmly in charge. Thursday’s media conference showed that. No changes have been evident behind the scenes in his coaching team either. But maybe some rumours that O’Neill will be spending more time in Glasgow now will signal some form of shift in the dynamics. Let’s hope so.
Celtic return to action
The players dispersed in various directions during the internationals. Some joined up with their countries, some had injuries or picked a knock up while away. Others had short breaks away. Which means it’s quite probably Friday before O’Neill gets his hands on the full squad again. That’s not much time, if any, to make style changes or tactical shots on the pitch.
Even if we accept that some of the new signings need more time to bed in with their teammates and how they all fit together, that won’t have happened much during the break. Instead, it’s straight back to action with a flurry of big games coming up. A visit to Motherwell on Sunday looks like being another tough game. The Steelmen are settling in under their new manager and showing positive signs for another strong season. It’s not a game many Celtic fans will be relishing.
Then it’s back to European action. A trip to Lisbon is usually exciting, but Benfica are in fine goal-scoring form and, well, let’s be honest, the Bhoys aren’t. It might trigger a fightback and a strong performance, or the tie could be another European night to forget.
The Sunday after sees the visit of Hearts to Parkhead. Hearts have bounced back well from their end-of-season horrors. The loss of key personnel has been met with good replacements, and they look set too for a strong season. It’s another tough game for Celtic.
That health warning for Celtic fans
We’re used to having challenges, hard games, strong opposition. Especially when it comes to playing in Europe. But there’s definitely more anxiety around and probably raised blood pressures too. That’s mixed with frustration about all that seems to be wrong at the club these days. Little of it is tempered by what seems to be going well, perhaps largely because there isn’t much sign of that. We’re clinging desperately to the news of Jota having 45 minutes in a bounce game against Falkirk and hoping for the best.
We’ll have to see if O’Neill and his coaching team, along with the plans, can raise their games. Otherwise we’re all facing potentially a worse scenario than last season's early issues. Even the games under Wilfried Nancy had some high points! Keeping the faith was never easy at times, it’s challenge now.
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