First and foremost – Csaba Laszlo did a fine job in Scotland with Hearts between 2008 and 2010.
But if his scouting reports were as inaccurate back then as his one on Celtic has been today, Tynecastle would’ve been a much easier place to play during those years.
The tactician is currently in charge of Romanian club Sepsi Sfantu Gheorge in Liga 1. Therefore, given his place of residence, he’s been giving Romania the lowdown on what to expect from Celtic ahead of our clash with Cluj tomorrow.
The only thing is, he spoke absolute garbage when detailing where we can be got at and who to fear. In comments published today by the Daily Record, this is what the ex-Hearts boss had to say.
“Celtic’s goalkeeper Craig Gordon has lost a lot of goals. He can be surprised by shots from distance.
“Mikey Johnston is very good, but for me their biggest danger man is Scott Sinclair.
“And I must admit I am surprised Neil Lennon has not been looking for me. It must be because I was Hearts manager and he was Hibs manager and we can’t be friends! But if he doesn’t take this match seriously, then he will be in trouble.”
Csaba Laszlo highlights two key players – both likely won’t even start
Saying Craig Gordon can be surprised by long-range shots is probably unfair. But it’s more the fact that the Scotland international won’t even play that makes Laszlo’s comments fairly irrelevant. The former Hearts and Dundee United coach clearly doesn’t know there’s been a changing of the guard.
He also highlights Scott Sinclair as our main danger-man. The problem is this isn’t the 2016-17 campaign. About three years ago, Laszlo would’ve had a good point there. But there are far more dangerous outlets in the Celtic side than Sinclair.
Laszlo hasn’t even mentioned the likes of Ryan Christie, James Forrest, Odsonne Edouard, or Leigh Griffiths. It’s evident he doesn’t know anywhere near enough about our squad to give a report on them.
Granted, he’s right about Mikey Johnston and Scott Brown – but that’s about it. Laszlo’s comments hopefully bode well for us heading into tomorrow night’s game.
Some Cluj players may look at his comments and take them for gospel given he’s previously worked in Scotland. Then again, if Dan Petrescu has been scouting us thoroughly, even he will be raising an eyebrow at Laszlo’s claims.
Csaba was a fine manager during his time in Scotland. But, at the end of the day, it’s a good thing he didn’t end up going into the scouting business.
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