Now, before we all start with the wailing and gnashing of teeth, this is not an article to criticise Ange Postecoglou.
Far from it.
So from the off I want to say this, I hope Ange gets the extended contract he deserves because he has been outstanding for the club.
Would I go as far to say I love the man?
Yes. Yes I would.
So I hope that clears that up.
However, just because I love the man doesn’t mean he should be beyond reproach.
And bear with till I explain my reasons.
Let’s start with Steve Clarke. The Scotland boss has been on the end of well deserved praise for getting the country to the Euro’s last summer.
The first major national tournament for the country since 1998, Scotland fans were on the crest of a wave as hysteria and joy swept the country.
But with that hysteria and joy came unwavering support. Unquestionable devotion the manager which has bred a narrative that he simply cannot be questioned or criticised.
And that is not healthy.
Since qualification for the Euro’s Clarke has failed to come up trumps in big games since. One draw, two heavy home defeats and the media and fans fawned over him with the ‘at least we got there attitude’.
When it mattered, and we needed three points in a crunch game, Clarke failed to deliver as Croatia thumped us 3-1.
And since then we have had major games against Ukraine and Republic of Ireland where a result was needed and again, we were humiliated at home against the Ukrainians and away against an Irish side that hadn’t won a Nations League game since 2019.
And yet, there are those that still dare not criticise.
But how does that relate to Celtic I hear you ask?
There is a certain faction (if that’s the correct word to use) amongst the Celtic support that believe Ange cannot be questioned considering what he has done at the club since he took over, and in a way, that is deserved.
To my mind, the Aussie gaffer has only made one major mistake since taking over at the club and that was choosing to play Edouard up front in the first Glasgow Derby at Ibrox and Kyogo on the left.
Other than that (and Europe, but let’s face it, Europe was a genuine bonus due to the rebuild) he has been almost flawless since taking over.
But that should not determine whether or not the fans are allowed to criticise next season should mistakes be made.
I wrote last night about how fellow bloggers James Forrest and Joe McHugh received abuse on Twitter for their views on the appointment of Mark Lawwell as Head of Recruitment and a lot of that criticism was borne out of ‘If he’s good enough for Ange….’ mantra.
And it shouldn’t be that way. Lawwell should be judged on the quality of player he delivers for the manager. That’s it.
Not because Ange ‘says so’ as that’s a dangerous route to go down.
Just look at Scotland and how a lack of critical thinking towards the manager can lead to poor performances on the pitch when it matters.
I am not saying that Ange deserves ANY criticism yet.
All I am saying is that when criticism of the Celtic manager is deserved, it should be given without reproach and with respect.
Up Next: Jota on the way? Hugh Keevins seems to think so!
Why are you talking about critising the guy when he hasn’t done anything yet to warrant it.
I’m not. If you read the piece you will see that I said he doesn’t deserve criticism. But there are elements of the fanbase that simply won’t allow any criticism of any sort of the manager
Because he is a self important tit and is trying to be edgy. These bloggers are getting above themselves.
What the hell are you on about? Absolutely no need for the abuse. If you’ve got something constructive to say then say it. Don’t try and be a keyboard hardman
Easy to post abuse from Campanet mate isn’t it?
I wonder about our midfield being too light because as I see it that’s what happened to Scotland we were out muscled.
Bit early to start lining up the firing squad, particularly when you say yourself Ange has done very little wrong. But please explain how criticism from the stands/bloggers/comentstors actually changes the manager’s general strategy and tactics.
It doesn’t but what it does do is let the manager know he’s not immune to criticism as many of the fans believe he is
Every manager should be constantly scrutinised, even if only to enjoy the good that they do. When it ain’t working it ain’t working, and given how fickle club football fans are I would say there’s not a lot to worry about on that front. It didn’t take too long for even the die-hards to turn on Neil Lennon when it got ridiculous…it’s just a shame the board waited several months past that point to do anything about it…
100%
Steve Clark go down in history only man to lose world Cup place and nations league within a week he picks players like che who’s nowhere near class play International team picked against Ukraine was criminal and against Republic they wanted to win all while sour pus Clark stood touchline done nothing 2 nil down against Ukraine the idiot took.off attacker put defender on Jesus that alone shud made fans walk out demonstrate get rid of him.then.played players out position against Republic was embarrassing to watch wot he ever achieved in football absolutely nothing that will continue as guy born loser we b.better of young dynamic.manager ie Jack Ross least see sum passion wudnt be picking 3 division players bloody joke even his son turned about said can’t get rid who’s going.manage them there’s nobody that’s problem there is Clark deserves sack asap before more damage done u need passionate guy not sour pus statue who hasn’t clue how change a game now all his fans shud know why never got opportunity to lead a big club.just because he worked with Jose doesn’t make him special quite opposite why out all britian killie only club.offer him a job.and results got there wasn’t his tatcial nous was plastic pitch never again will I put my.money towards watching Scotland under that idiot who isn’t fit manage any club.even in Highland league true fans will vote with there feet boycott the games sfa soon get rid wen costing them money at gates we all love our national team but there’s a limit to our patience wee Gordon was much better manager that him players loved him played for him didn’t get results Gilmour cudnt hack it Norwich sent him packing if can’t get game there no right b.international team u.pick guys in form.play them in natural positions and get rid Gordon 40 years old let in 6 last 2 games his time has come to end his reactions gone timing positional sense gone look opener against Ukraine wot was he doing so far off his line that’s keeper wudnt come out for a corner no fresh ideas needed dynamite manager needed ASAP