So so bad: Celtic announced the replacement of their head coach

So so bad: Celtic announced the replacement of their head coach

There is undoubted excitement about Celtic’s entry into this season’s Champions League with a new format and more matches than ever capturing the imagination of supporters.

 

Brendan Rodgers’ side have been drawn against eight other sides of varying ability – RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta, Young Boys, Dinamo Zagreb, Club Brugge, Slovan Bratislava and Aston Villa.

Any schedule of fixtures at this level will be difficult and Celtic’s this term is no different. Nonetheless, there’s a realisation that the draw could have been far worse for the Scottish champions.

 

Former striker Chris Sutton sees a real opportunity for the Bhoys and backs up the Celtic manager’s ambitions that a top-24 place and progression into the knockout stages is possible.

 

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Chris Sutton has his say on Celtic in the Champions League

The pundit said this weekend [Daily Record]: “Rodgers didn’t have the right set-up for the group stages last year. He didn’t have enough quality depth at his disposal and injuries hampered him. But, although Matt O’Riley has gone, it is clear he’s far happier with the unit now going into this term’s assault. The Champions League was, of course, meaningful last term, but winning the title through a tricky first campaign back in the hot seat was the major task for Rodgers.

“Celtic were underprepared for Europe’s elite last season with inadequate signings and those key injuries. But looking at them right now, they are in much better shape to cope, even with four of the bodies coming in through the last two days of the window.

“It’s Europe where it’s at and the manager has said himself that the club has done fantastic work and given his squad the strength to make a push for the Champions League play-off round. You can’t replace O’Riley, but signings such as Arne Engels for a club-record fee are a real shot in the arm for the squad and a statement of ambition.

 

“Celtic’s hierarchy have somehow managed to get their supporters buzzing with their window and still make a profit in the summer market. It says much for their running the club.