BRENDAN RODGERS accepts Celtic will never be able to splash the cash on an outstanding individual and will have to rely on team work to become a hit in Europe.
The Hoops boss was far from satisfied with the overall performance in the 1-0 home defeat to Anderlecht this week.
Jim Craig was saying yesterday that he thought that Brendan looked depressed the morning after the night before and that this was the first time he’s seen the manager looking that way since arriving at Celtic.
Tuesday’s performance was the worst by Celtic since Brendan took over from Ronny Deila and it looks like he’s lost patience in trying to build a side for European without splashing some serious cash to achieve his ambitions on the European stage.
Brendan is poised to strengthen his squad when the transfer window re-opens next month.
The champions could face some of the big guns such as Arsenal, Atletico Madrid or AC Milan and Rodgers said: “I am pretty clear where we are at as a squad and I am also realistic about what we can bring in.
“The challenge here is always to push and be the very best we can be, despite the resources we have,” he said.
It is cold comfort to remind ourselves that Anderlecht’s footballing budget is double that of Celtic’s and a tiny percentage of the group winners PSG.
“At this level, we are nowhere near it. But at this level we have to find a way and try and represent Celtic and represent the nation the best we can.
“The players we have will benefit from being involved in the Champions League, but it is also about quality as well.
“If you are going to compete, then, of course, it is about quality.
“But it is very difficult for us to get that. We will always rely on the collective, we will always rely on the team.
“There won’t be one player at this level who is a massive stand-out. Our star is the team.
“That is the way it will always be.”
