CALMAC – 5/10 – Lost in space. Or, more accurately, lost in a flurry of blood-red jerseys as Roma’s midfield press showed most NFL teams exactly how to sack a quarterback. Calmac didn’t get any tempo set, or much chance to. Spent most of his night scurrying around looking for scraps until they relaxed more and he got to play. But
it was too late to do any damage.
"We know we can do much better."
Arne Engels' assessment of Celtic's loss to Roma 💬 pic.twitter.com/A2yqmSnUuA
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 11, 2025
THE TERMINATOR – 4.5/10 – Don’t know anything about Belgian literature apart from TinTin, or their art culture aside from the sensual romantic genius of Rubens or Magritte’s coruscating surrealism. Har-de-har there philistines…But if there’s a metaphorical sketch for tonight’s game, let the cultured Belgian boot of young Engels provide it; summed up beautifully in one flaming penalty he’d won himself, swiped off the inside of a post and across the gaping goal like Celtic’s existential woes manifesting in that physical moment in time. But at least he cared – a bit – and showed it with a committed second 45, setting up the offside goal and generally attempting to impose himself.
NEGAN – 1/10 – Nope.
HAKUNA HATATE – 7/10 MOTM – Yup. A really fine display from Reo – the ONLY Celt looking right on his game. Sharp, alert, adept at clipping round the corner to bust their lines and setting us in action. Might have scored, looked the man most likely to and also appeared the man who most wanted to. Held his own amid their quality. Played some lovely stuff. By himself.
Just one question… how does the manager get 5/10?
What’s that old saying about doing the
same thing and expecting a different outcome?
Because, Raymond – thanks for the Q – I’d pin last night’s terrible start on ther players, not the manager.
He’s new to this, they’re not – they know EXACTLY what it takes to start well and stay in the game on a big Euro night against quality opposition; and they were far off it.
Agree with your comments – especially those about our 3 summer signings who cost a total of circa £12m. They expect their team mates to put their bodies on the line whilst they pull out of tackles or any physical contact. Nygren goes into every “challenge” with his arms outstretched to protect himself – absolutely no bottle. Cost us the second goal against Hearts. Add Yang to that trio and you have 4 shirkers. Almost half a team! It’s hard enough to win games with these passengers let alone trophies.
Nae “Ginger Baresi” or “playstation virgin” quotes when Scales shows us just how poor he is when tested at a decent level. Told you so!
But, that aside, .. Tounekti, Nygren & Balaclava will hopefully never play for us again.
I’d add the dud that is Maeda tae list also .. after January. A yorkshire terrier is not what is required as a Celtic striker .. or winger. We dinnae want or need a player who only comes alive withoot the baw. THAT’S exactly where the fans show their lack of fitbaw knowledge & Celtic history.
Oor jerseys have shrunk tae fit inferior players way too many times & for far too feckin long!