Celtic’s big-money purchases and dismantling of the hapless Rangers have delighted their fans.
In a bizarre way, it has increased the pressure on Brendan Rodgers and his players in the Champions League. I’ve indicated all along that Europe will be a key indicator this season. And recent incidents, both on and off the park, have further confirmed my suspicions.
Rodgers did not have the proper setup for the group stages last season. He lacked quality depth, and injuries hindered him. However, while Matt O’Riley has left, it is evident that he is much happy with the unit as it prepares for this term’s assault. The Champions League was, of course, important last season, but Rodgers’ main challenge was to win the title despite a difficult first season back in charge.
Celtic were underprepared for Europe’s top previous season due to inadequate signings and critical injuries. However, based on their current state, they appear to be in much better situation to deal, even with four of the bodies arriving through the remaining two days of the timeframe.
I would have wanted earlier, but, more importantly, the core is better than it was a year ago, as evidenced by their easy victory against Rangers last Sunday. Watching the game against Philippe Clement’s team, it’s clear that they’re in a shambles.
I’d never take the result of an Old Firm match for granted. I’ve been engaged in enough of them to know that unusual things can occur. But, as I walked into the game last Saturday, I noticed a lack of edge among the fans.
I won’t go so far as to say it had a testimonial feel, but let’s just say there was a casual, almost party-like attitude among them before the game even began. It was as if the crowd had no doubt that their heroes would triumph, and the next 90 minutes showed them completely correct.
Clement’s team was mediocre, and the Rangers are in a complete disaster both on and off the pitch. That is not only my opinion; it is shared by a big number of Ibrox fans.
The Celtic fans’ reactions gave me the feeling that beating Rangers this season would not be enough for them because their rivals are now so terrible. Of course, winning the crown is always important. The number one priority. But, without insult to Aberdeen’s perfect start, Rangers are in such disarray that, unless anything changes in Govan, Celtic will very certainly receive no credit for winning another title.
It’s all about Europe, and the manager has admitted that the club has done tremendous job and given his side the strength it needs to compete in the Champions League play-offs. You can’t replace O’Riley, but arrivals like Arne Engels for a club record sum are a huge boost to the squad and a show of intent.
Celtic’s management has managed to get their fans excited about their window while also making a profit in the summer market. It tells a lot about how they operate the club.
So, with the components in place, the onus is now on Rodgers and his team to produce. Nobody is dumb enough to believe that there are easy games in Europe’s best league. Quite simply, there is no such thing. But I don’t think anyone would dispute with me that the draw has been favourable to Celtic.
It has provided some winnable opportunities, none more so than their opening match. Slovan Bratislava at home is a great place to start, and it is also really large. It’s either triumph or calamity.
Get the job done, and you’ll be able to face the next seven games with confidence and excitement. If you don’t win that, you could be in for a grim season, with away games against last season’s Champions League runners-up Borussia Dortmund and Europa League champions Atalanta coming up quickly.
Celtic need to get it right, and I’ll be interested to see how Rodgers approaches it in the coming months. If he can maintain everyone fit, he has a roster capable of transitioning a complete team from domestic weekends to European midweeks.
Obviously, he will not do that, but I am implying that he could, and that only adds to the sense that Celtic need to finally do something positive in the Champions League. It has not been good enough in recent years. Nowhere near it. Rodgers has stated that it needs to improve, and he must be pleased with the draw.
Last season, my opinion differed with that of Celtic’s management. He saw favourable features in the group-stage campaign. I did not perceive things the same way. It wasn’t a harsh group, but Celtic were essentially eliminated with two games remaining. Otherwise known as the earliest potential moment, there is plenty of room for improvement.
Celtic’s home games against Bratislava, Leipzig, Young Boys, and Bruges are winnable. At the very least, not lost. The same should be true for the game versus Dinamo in Zagreb. Dortmund, Atalanta, and Aston Villa will be difficult away games, although they make up only three of the eight games.
Celtic fans are keen to see their team finally make an impression on the continent. With the new additions and Rangers’ current weakness, it might almost be a demand.
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