Concentration is key for Celtic

Celtic face a trip to Norway as the Hoops look to record their first win of Europa League campaign tomorrow. The Celts go into the Molde game having reclaimed top spot at the weekend, but the next few weeks will ultimately define the season for Ronny Deila’s men.

This time last year, Celtic had four points on the board and were level with Red Bull Salzburg at the top of the group. Fast forward twelve months, and the Hoops are second with just the two points, having dropped vital goals in both of their group matches.

In the opening game against Ajax, Celtic looked potent on the counter and had an aerial threat, which caused problems for the Dutch side. However, a rash few minutes for Emilio Izaguirre and then the failure to defend a free-kick, ultimately cost Celtic all three points.

In the home game against Fenerbahce, the Hoops again threw away a lead and gifted a valuable point for the Turkish outfit. Similar to the Ajax performance, the Hoops played well and were in complete control when Kris Commons fired in the second goal. Then a moment of madness from Efe Ambrose allowed Fenerbahce a way back into the game. Thereafter, the Hoops conceded once more from a set-piece, allowing Fenerbahce to complete the comeback.

Ronny Deila emphasises a lot on progress. In Europe this season, the Hoops have played to a high level but have switched off at critical stages allowing teams back into games. A recurring theme of switching off has been a part of Deila’s side all too often in Europe. For example, in the home game against Malmo, it was a great performance up until Berget scored his first. The team switched off and conceded far too easily allowing Malmo back into in the first-leg of the Champions League playoff. A similar thing happened last season, as Maribor netted in the last 15 minutes to end Celtic’s hope of Champions League football.

Tomorrow night, the Hoops must stay concentrated for the full 90 minutes. A look back to the game away at Qarabag and the Celts were solid from start to finish allowing one-half chance for the Azerbaijani side. That’s the sort of the performance the Bhoys require in Europe. The key for Celtic is concentration. If they can do that for the full match and play to the ability we all know they are capable of, then there is no reason why Celtic shouldn’t be able to get a good result tomorrow night.

Ultimately Ronny Deila, the fans and the board will want Celtic to progress in Europe after Christmas. It is vital that the Hoops do so and if not, there won’t be any real progress from the last campaign in Europe. Celtic thrive in Europe and as much as a treble would be great for the records, the fans will always want memorable nights or journeys like Seville.