RONNY’S CHARGE SHEET
A LACK OF DOMESTIC PROGRESS
This time last year, Celtic had made it through to the League Cup Final and, after a shaky start, had built up sufficient momentum to be in a position to eventually win the title by 17 points. Their hands were taken off the League Cup by Ross County on Sunday and Wednesday’s loss at Pittodrie leaves them just three points ahead of Aberdeen. People are now seriously contemplating the previously unthinkable.
THE EUROPEAN QUESTION
There was a certain degree of forgiveness for last season’s shortcomings. But at least those Champions League exits to Legia Warsaw and Maribor led to a Europa League showdown with Inter Milan. This season has seen Malmo take care of Celtic’s Champions League ambitions while a failure to win a single Europa League group match for the first time saw the Hoops finish bottom of their section.
VULNERABLE DEFENCE
The personnel may change but the shortcomings of the back-four remain a constant. The loss of bad goals is now their stock in trade. The concession of set-piece goals to both Ross County and Aberdeen in the space of four days suggests sides are now playing on this weakness. The lack of organisation and desire is palpable.
NO STRENGTH IN ADVERSITY
Deila’s side were actually on top until Jonny Hayes’ wonder goal turned the game at Pittodrie on its head. That was typical of this side. Whether it’s a red card, the loss of a goal or a striker missing a chance, the green and white shirts seem to turn yellow whenever there’s a minor bump in the road to contend with.
A LACK OF ENTERTAINMENT
Sure, there have been nights when it’s all clicked into place — most recently in an eight-goal blitz of Hamilton. Over the piece, though, the relentless, high-tempo passing game that Celtic fans were promised has been a rare sight indeed.
RECRUITMENT
No one is so naïve as to believe Deila personally sourced every one of the 22 players who have arrived under his watch, but ultimately he carries the can for it. Jo Inge Berget, Aleksandar Tonev, Mubarak Wakaso, Stefan Scepovic, Nadir Cifti, Tyler Blackett … hardly a track record to boast about.