Hoops Are Basically No Good!

Mar 9 2008 By Euan Mclean

BARCELONA star Sylvinho taunted Celtic with the message their "basic" attacking skills will never cut it among the elite teams of Europe.

The Brazilian defender strolled through last Tuesday's 1-0 win at the Nou Camp as Celtic's Champions League campaign fizzled out with a dreary display.

Boss Gordon Strachan played just one man up front, despite the Hoops needing to chase the game to have any hope of pulling off a shock.

The ex-Arsenal man wasn't impressed by Celtic's creativity from midfield through to lone hitman Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.

And he reckons they'll never succeed on Europe's greatest stage by relying on such a direct game.

He said: "I know about Scottish football from my time in Britain with Arsenal.

"While results have improved, there's still a big difference between Celtic and the top clubs from the larger countries.

"The problem is in their midfield and attack. They don't control much of the possession and going forward their actions are basic.

"You can't win in Europe on a regular basis with such a simple, direct game.

"Celtic need to improve their passing and play more technically gifted players.

"I'm not saying they should change their philosophy from the Scottish style but just focus on passing and possession in Europe."

Midfield general Yaya Toure echoed his team-mate's view and revealed he couldn't believe Celtic didn't come out fighting after Barca grabbed such an early goal.

Toure said: "Scottish teams are defensive but in the modern game it's necessary to have other virtues.

"Especially if you're to have any chance in a competition as hard as the Champions League.

"I was surprised that they didn't show any reaction to Xavi's goal in the second minute.

"They didn't create much danger for us and we dominated possession throughout the game."