Originally published at: "Accept this"; Chris Sutton's Postecoglou reality check for Celtic supporters
Chris Sutton insists Celtic supporters need to take the rough with the smooth when it comes to Ange Postecoglou’s football. Postecoglou’s team were taken apart by Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night in a disappointing performance. Large gaps in the Bhoys midfield were exploited as the Norwegians showed a ruthless edge in the final third. However, Sutton…
While I also agree with Chris Sutton’s view that “the Bhoys are still a work in progress”, there were factors other than Bodo Glimt that had an influence on the team on Thursday night. The appointment by UEFA of Latvian referee, Andris Treimanis should not have been allowed as in his previous visit to Celtic Park, he oversaw Celtic’s 3-4 Champions League elimination at the hands of Romanian team CFR Cluj on 13 August 2019. As far as is possible, referees should have a neutral influence in these UEFA qualification matches where millions are at stake. How can this referee’s presence fail to affect the emotions and performance of the six players including our captain Callum McGregor who played in the Cluj game two and a half years ago? As Celtic were favourites on Thursday, I can understand bookmakers being happy to take Celtic backers money but, in my view, these appointments are corrupt and UEFA should act to eliminate these hidden influences on match outcomes.
I think it’s worth remembering that most of our successful managers had a nightmare in their first season in Europe. Strachan took us to the knockouts of the champions league but started with Bratislava. Lennon did the same, beating Barcelona and winning an away match in the champions league, but started with the FC Sion debacle. In Ange’s first season he’s qualified for group stage European football and beaten one of this season’s top Spanish sides along the way. Relatively speaking, I’d say that’s pretty successful. The infinitely more important thing is that we win the league this year, which looking at our team pre Ange, you would’ve said would be impossible. Now, 8 months into his term, we’re favourites. 
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