Having just seen that Celtic will play Arsenal to see who will qualify for the 'Real' Champions League, I have to admit I am very intruiged. Celtic have had a decent record against English clubs when drawn together in Europe. Recent victories over Man Utd, and a few years ago Liverpool at Anfield will give them and their supporters a little bit of confidence.
Arsenal are the team I believe that Tony Mowbray is trying to emulate at Celtic Park. The attractive passing football is very much in the essence of 'the Celtic Way' and although early in his Celtic managerial career, there have been signs of a more flowing Celtic than in recent seasons. With more emphasis on short passing and better possesion of the ball, a couple of obscure French/African signings and you could say Mr. Mowbray is treading the path so brilliantly beaten by Mr. Wenger many moons ago.
The irony is that if Celtic are to progress then it will be their brawn rather than their brains that get them through. They will have to get physical with a far superior technical team, Fabregas and Van Persie are as good as they come in the modern game, and giving them room will certainly spell the end of Celtic's qualification chances.
As for Wenger, he is probably my favourite manager around. His footballing philosophy, and intelligence are to me, what the game is all about. People say his teams over pass. Bollocks!! Because his teams keep the ball better than anyone in England (Man Utd included) English media are just unaccustomed to ball retention of that calibre. Sure they may add an extra pass here or there, but they are footballers, artists trying to express themselves, if they go for the 'perfect' goal then so be it, I for one want to be there when they score it.
That being said, if Celtic were to triumph, I'm sure that some would be calling for Wenger's head. The implications of losing are perversly bigger for Arsenal than Celtic. A long shadow would be cast over Arsenal's season if they lose, whereas if Celtic to go through it would be the ultimate bonus.
This tie screams Arsenal on paper, but luckily for Celtic football is played on grass not paper.
No comments:
Post a Comment