Sybaris Ali 
Steve Welsh/Getty Images Sport
There is no denying the one improvement Brendan Rodgers’ side have to make this season, which is progression in European competition. Having only been in the door a few months, Rodgers provided Celtic with the opportunity to play in the promise land in the Champions League which gave the side valuable experience moving forward.
The Hoops were a goal away in Germany from finishing third place and entering into the last 32 of the Europa League, but were not clinical enough to seal progression for European football after Christmas. This season however, you would expect them to progress to the knockout stages of European competition whether that is the Europa League or the Champions League.
If anything, the expectation from last season’s treble triumph has only heaped more pressure on the Hoops to be as successful as last season. There is no doubt that Celtic’s level may drop this campaign due to the increased demands of European football. That shouldn’t deteriorate from the ultimate focus of Rodgers’ side continuing to dominate Scottish football.
However, what would be a realistic target for Celtic in Europe football this coming season?
Regardless of any outcome, the most important aspect for Celtic is to make it to the Champions League play-offs. This guarantees group stage European football. Over the last few seasons the third qualifying round has provided the Hoops with a few scares. None more so than last season when Moussa Dembele’s last minute penalty against Astana sent the Bhoys into the Champions League play-offs.
The third qualifying round can often provide Celtic with tricky trips to across the continent and the same could happen again this upcoming season. Theoretically though, let’s say Celtic get to the play-offs and safely navigate through to the Champions League group stage.
It then becomes a game of pot luck. The Hoops are usually seeded in pot 4, which will most likely see the Scottish champions face strong opposition this year as pots 1-3 could be the toughest they’ve been in years.
Last season Celtic were on the receiving on a horrific draw which ultimately gave them a group of death scenario. Barcelona, Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach all provided stern opposition for Celtic. To be fair out-with the performance at the Nou Camp and at home to Monchengladbach, Rodgers’ side played relatively well in Europe. While only getting three points, the squad were still relatively new to the Rodgers philosophy and not too much pressure was heaped on Celtic’s exit from Europe.
https://www.facebook.com/ReadFootballCo/videos/386045548441309/
This season though, there is a new type of pressure for Celtic to deal with. Nearly 12 months on and Celtic could potentially be in the same scenario in a group of death. While some fans may want glamour ties, a good chunk of the Celtic support would love to see the Hoops progress in Europe.
Celtic with the squad they have and continuity Rodgers has acquired within the side, will want to see the Bhoys progress into the knockout rounds of Europe. There is no reason why they can’t do this even if they were to parachute into the Europa League group stages. But if they reach the Champions League group stages they will hope not get a group as tough as last season. Ideally, one big glamour tie like Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, could be beneficial while two other teams who aren’t as strong would be welcomed – like the scenario we faced in 2012.
The facts are no-one really knows who Celtic may get but it is down to Rodgers to best organise the starting XI for a proper assault in Europe. The board also play a part in this too and must secure the type of quality signings that will boost the club in Europe.
Would you take the last 16 of Europe knowing that it would be difficult to progress through to the latter stages, or go on a run in the Europa League similar to the Seville side in 2003? It’s a dilemma, but the kind of one fans want to be faced with when cheering on the team. Whatever happens, Rodgers will want Celtic to target European after Christmas this season and that’s what the ambition should be this season in Europe.
