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Celtic closes out 2024 in a very different mood than we closed out 2023.

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Image for Celtic closes out 2024 in a very different mood than we closed out 2023.

On an afternoon like this, with a year ending and the title race virtually in the bag with a substantial gap at the top of the league, everyone was in the mood for a bit of entertainment. We wanted to see the team come through the game unscathed by injuries, with some squad rotation to keep things fresh. We wanted a good performance and some goals. Today, we got all of that—and an extra little gift as well.

All in all, it was a great afternoon to be a Celtic fan. It was cold and, in some ways, exhausting, coming at the end of what was always going to be a challenging week. But I think it’s fair to say we all ended on a very positive, even slightly euphoric, note, with the promise of better things to come as the festive season and New Year roll on.

We saw big performances today. Arne Engels delivered again, producing the goods with a truly excellent display. Kyogo was back on the scoresheet with a double, and he was brilliant, hitting his stride at just the right time with a crucial game on the horizon. The question of whether he’s the best placed to play in that particular match has now been emphatically answered.

Everything was clicking. The football was crisp, the attacking phases were excellent, and Nicolas Kuhn had a tremendous game until he came off. Daizen Maeda, meanwhile, was outstanding after he came on. Even a midfield without Callum McGregor for most of the game didn’t miss a beat. Everyone gave their best, and it was a performance that reflects well on everyone at the club right now.

Whatever minor tensions there may have been behind the scenes this time last year have either been smoothed over or Brendan Rodgers has emerged so completely in control that they no longer matter. Celtic seems like a very relaxed, amiable, and settled environment now. There don’t appear to be any issues causing sleepless nights or giving anyone serious concern.

The club feels like a well-oiled machine. If we can deliver the right results in the January window, the sense will only grow that we’re on a completely different trajectory from the team across the city, and that things at Celtic are only going to keep getting better. January is pivotal this year, but not in the same way it was last year.

A year ago, we were emerging from the worst stages of the mid-season slump. January 2023 was a make-or-break window if we were to retain our title. Nicolas Kuhn was signed, and Adam Idah came in on deadline day—a move that displeased some online, although I had a hunch he might be exactly what Rodgers wanted. He had the pace and power the manager had identified as crucial to how we play.

This year, we’re not trying to rescue a campaign. We’re trying to enhance one. And, in some ways, that’s a harder task—turning a good team into an even better one. Many managers struggle with this, as it requires identifying ways to improve a quality side within the constraints of a budget. But Rodgers excels at it.

The real test of January will be for others at the club—the people tasked with securing the players Rodgers wants and needs to keep the team progressing. The foundations are solid, from the goalkeeper—who increasingly looks like an inspired signing—to the central defence and Alistair Johnston at right-back. While we have a decent backup for him, we could improve that area. The left-back position isn’t inducing panic, though there’s obviously room for improvement and this is a priority position. The midfield is excellent, and while that will be the toughest area to upgrade, it’s still worth the effort. Rodgers will undoubtedly have ideas.

The wide positions, however, are where we know reinforcements are needed most. That’s why this area will likely be the key one, although Rodgers won’t stop there. He’s looking at several other positions, and we’ll soon find out what they are and what he believes we need to keep moving forward. It’s exciting—this whole period is exciting. It’s a fantastic time to be a Celtic fan.

Today was an excellent way to close out the 2024 football calendar. The contrast between where we are now and where we were this time last year couldn’t be starker. Everything is moving in the right direction, and I can’t remember the last time I felt this confident about the future of both the team and the club.

This isn’t just about the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs in the city, either. Across the way, they’ve mastered the arts of illusion and delusion, convincing themselves they’re better than they are.

We, on the other hand, know exactly how good we are—and we’re striving to get better. That’s the real difference. Or perhaps it’s the reflective image of where the two clubs stand. They’re trying to catch the Celtic of today; we’re focused on building the Celtic of tomorrow.

Only one of us stands a real chance of achieving our goal. The next 12 months will reveal just how well we’ve managed to do it.

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3 comments

  • JimBhoyback says:

    Yang was excellent today, maybe he can step up. Clemente with a new set of excuses…..

  • Clachnacuddin and the Hoops says:

    Another good day at the office once again !

    Seeing as it’s the new normal in good (not) oul’ Scottish Football to call out officials involved in other teams matches – Will Celtic put out a statement about the performance of Mr. Kevin Clancy at Fir Park, Motherwell !!!

    His cheating ensures Celtic only lead by 14 points instead of 15…

    Oh – Amint I one greedy old bastard these days !!!

  • Brattbakk says:

    Everything was great yesterday but we need to temper it slightly with St Johnstone being hopeless. It might be the ideal preparation for Thursday where I hope we’re ruthless and produce our best. The squad strength will hopefully tell when European football gets going again with 1 or 2 additions, it looks like Palma will be replaced and if we can sign Valle in the summer I’d make him first choice now. Get Schmeichel signed and I’m happy.

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