Opinion: How Champions League setback could benefit Celtic domestically
Celtic’s return to the Champions League group stages for the first time since 2017 will be one of the highlights of season 2022/23.
The players, the management team and the fans will no doubt be desperate to hear the music of the Champions League anthem played once more at Celtic Park, and the Hoops support will generate an incredible atmosphere that will hopefully be matched on the park by the team.
Being realistic though, as it stands, even if the Hoops make a few more signings before the transfer window deadline, the Bhoys are going to struggle in the biggest competition in club football.
The Hoops are going to be in Pot Four of the draw, and there is a chance that the team could get drawn against three teams who are of a far higher standard than that which Celtic play at.
The aim should be to finish third in the group stage and qualify for the Europa League, but at this stage of the Celtic evolution under Ange Postecoglou that might be asking too much of the current squad, even though they will no doubt give it their best.
Should Celtic finish bottom of the group, the team will exit European competition altogether, and that would be a blow to the Hoops, but it could help Celtic domestically, as with all the group stage games being played before the World Cup begins in November, the Hoops could have extra time to concentrate on domestic football in the second-half of the season.
That is now what anyone at Celtic, and the fans, will want to happen, as the hope is that Celtic can achieve European football after Christmas for the second season in a row.
But you have to be realistic about these things, and Celtic might well finish bottom of the Champions League group. That happened in Brendan Rodgers’ first season at the club, and that was with a Celtic team who went on to win an invincible treble, and are a better side than the current Hoops team is.
The hope is that Celtic can do well in the Champions League and finish third in the group. But it doesn’t have to be a fatal blow to the season if Celtic finish bottom of the group, and lessons are learned for season 2023/24.
Having to concentrate only on domestic football is no bad thing, and hopefully that could give the Hoops the opportunity to win the league, return to the Champions League again and this time really make an impact on the competition.
Seem to remember when Celtic entered the European Cup in 67 they were complete outsiders. Big Jock didn’t worry about other teams. Ange is of the same mould, we score more goals than them, we win. Come On You Boys In Green !
Too defeatist for me this . Opposition have not yet got used to playing against Ange style of football and we really should be surprising some better teams with a huge help from our fans to. 2 out of the first 3 games at home would be nice and a chance to get off to a great start . Cheers
Not so sure the team Rodgers had was a better team ? We have not seen the best of the postie’s team as it’s still not fully built and he has shown so far he is not scared to go all out and attack whatever the opponent and best football played since Tommy Burns and best straight talker since the greatest man of words mr Stein so would not bank on us going out to early yet !
Don’t agree at all, giving up before we start. Very negative
Winning our league in Scotland playing against dross is easy I want to see us playing and beating Champions League teams can’t keep making excuses our record in Europe is shocking.
totally agree,our defence is still a massive problem,every team weve played so far have scored and created several scoring chances and none have been anywhere near champions league quality,we also still need a plan B when things are not working.
We will win the lot.we are celtic
We are celtic. We will win the lot
Would love to see both Celtic and Rangers do well in champions league but no disrespect to Scottish football but the standard they both play each week is very poor I think most of them would struggle in our championship league!
Lets juat see who we get drawn against,could end up in a keague we could do well, on other hand group of death is possibke
If yer aunty had bags…
I’ve always believed domestic league the priority,,Europe is a bonus from last season,first place guarantees money,for next season
Well you know God loves a trier but speaking from the other side of the old firm, with all the carping about the Bears spending/signings,I think Celtic should silence pundits like Charlie Nicholas who has either had a complete breakdown or is full time on the wind when assessing the Bears chances this season!I won’t repeat what he said so as not to embarrass him!Former players don’t always make the most accurate judgement calls.So good luck to the hoops and remember it’s not the losing,it’s the taking part that counts….
Nityananda
Think we need a Keeper, a commanding centre half, and a Hard Ball winner in the middle of the park, BUT have faith WE are Glasgow Celtic.