As the fallout continues over Celtic’s exit in the Europa League, there has much been said about how the team capitulated to the Germans in the last ten minutes of the match.
Man for man, the Celtic stars matched the Germans and even had the better of them right up until the 72nd minute when the first substitute took place.
The first team are clearly a match for anyone in Europe. From Hart at the back. McGregor and Bitton holding and the front three of Jota, Kyogo and Forrest are just different class.
As soon as those substitutes were made, that was when the team faltered.
Jota replaced by Mikey Johnston is a serious drop in quality. I like the young Scotsman and I think he has a future at the club and can do a turn domestically. But in Europe I think he is found wanting.
James Forrest for Liel Abada, on paper, is a like for like swap but the young Israeli blows hot and cold and cannot be relied upon when it comes to the big games. He is often found wanting when needed and Thursday night was no exception.
And then James McCarthy for Nir Bitton. McCarthy has shown signs of improvement over the last few games he has appeared but he needs more game time. Bitton has been calm, assured and confident when played in his central holding role and looks a completely different player under Ange. But the jury is still out on McCarthy.
Last, but not least, Albian Ajeti for Kyogo. I don’t think I even need to elaborate on that one.
Postecoglou needs more strength in depth. Better quality off the bench.
THAT was our undoing on Thursday night, no the substitutes themselves.