Celtic Football fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the new Scottish Premiership season, and for good reason. Brendan Rodgers’ team has been the dominant force in Scottish football for several years now, and the question on everyone’s mind is: can they make it four titles in a row?
To answer this, we need to take a closer look at Celtic’s performance last season. While they ultimately won the league and cup double, it was by no means a vintage campaign. They lost three games in the league and drew another six, and some of their victories were won late and unconvincingly. However, they still managed to win the league by a comfortable eight points, a lead that was much larger than the one Ange Postecoglou managed in either of his league-winning seasons.
Despite this, there is still a sense of optimism around Celtic Park. Pre-season friendlies against Manchester City and Chelsea saw the team put in impressive performances, beating Chelsea 4-1 and Manchester City 4-3. These results, combined with Rangers’ struggles in the same period, have led many to believe that this season could be a stroll for the champions.
However, Rodgers and the supporters are not getting ahead of themselves. They know that the domestic season is only half the battle, and that Celtic’s performance in Europe has been disappointing for too long. The new Champions League format, which features a single 36-team group, may offer Celtic a few more winnable games, but the question remains: what’s winnable in Celtic’s Champions League world?
The Road to European Success
Celtic’s record in the Champions League under Rodgers is dismal. In 19 group games, they have won just two, drawn four, and lost 12. They have scored 15 goals and conceded 49, earning just 10 points from a possible 54. For a club that talks about its European story, it’s time they added some new and cheerier chapters.
The journey to becoming a European force is a long one, but Celtic has taken the first steps. They have signed two new goalkeepers, Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo, and have re-signed Paulo Bernardo on a permanent deal. They are also reportedly close to signing Adam Idah from Norwich, a player who impressed on loan at Celtic last season.
However, the key to success in Europe is not just about signing new players; it’s about developing a cohesive team unit that can compete with the best. Rodgers has been clear about his desire to add more quality to the squad, but he also knows that it’s not just about spending money.
The Celtic Business Model
Celtic’s business model has been praised for its ability to bring in transfer fees. Over the last dozen years, they have made over £170m in transfer fees, with a profit of over £80m on players like Fraser Forster, Virgil van Dijk, and Moussa Dembele. However, the board has faced criticism for not spending enough on the team.
Rodgers has been vocal about his desire for the board to show more ambition in the transfer market. With a turnover of £120m and £67.3m in bank reserves, Celtic has the financial muscle to compete with the best. The question is, will they spend wisely?
The Player Trading Model
Celtic’s player trading model has been a key factor in their success. They have a proven track record of buying low and selling high, with players like Stuart Armstrong and Odsonne Edouard making significant profits. However, this model also means that Celtic are often vulnerable to losing their best players.
The case of Matt O’Riley is a prime example. The midfielder has been outstanding for Celtic, but the club is reportedly willing to sell him to Atalanta for £15m. While this may seem like a good deal, it highlights the risks of Celtic’s business model. If they are not careful, they may end up losing their best players and struggling to replace them.
As the new season begins, Celtic fans will be watching with bated breath to see if their team can make it four titles in a row. With the right signings and a bit of luck, they may just achieve it. However, the bigger question is: what else are they going to do? Will they finally make a serious push for European success, or will they be content with dominating the domestic scene? Only time will tell.
Celtic’s Champions League group stage matches:
* Celtic vs. Bayern Munich
* Celtic vs. Paris Saint-Germain
* Celtic vs. Real Madrid
The journey to European success is a long one, but Celtic has taken the first steps. With the right signings and a bit of luck, they may just achieve it. However, the bigger question is: what else are they going to do? Will they finally make a serious push for European success, or will they be content with dominating the domestic scene? Only time will tell.
External Links:
* [Celtic FC Official Website](https://www.celticfc.com/)
* [UEFA Champions League](https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/)
* [Scottish Premiership](https://www.scotprem.com/)