Three seasons of direct access to the Champions League Group or League stage has isolated us from the anxieties of the qualification rounds. Risks come in categories. There are sides who are far stronger and always progress (such as Arsenal). Scandinavians who are midseason, with a vital fitness advantage, and tiny clubs who get everything right for a season or two in the sun (Malmo), some of whom are also midseason.
In seasons 2012, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 we entered Champions League qualification in the second round. That was bad enough. In 2018, 19 and 20 we entered in the first qualification round. This distorted preseason, denied us money-spinning trips overseas, and brought an unhelpful urgency to squad development.
Getting appropriate preseason games was difficult. Every strong club in Europe was either at a lesser fitness than Celtic, or were midseason and not interested in playing friendlies. There was learning throughout this process, but outcomes were disappointing.
This season starts with a league game against St Mirren on 3 August. By then, we will have played six preseason games, three against strong opposition (Sporting, Newcastle, Ajax). We will have two league games under out belt before the first Champions League playoff round game. There can never be too many, but eight games will move the fitness dial to some degree.
By then, Celtic will hope to have further strengthened the squad. The learning mentioned above will be beneficial. Never underestimate the importance of stability. I mention that to give some context to Newco, who have only one preseason game before they play Panathinaikos in Champions League qualification next week (the Greeks have four games).
There is so much change at Newco right now, ownership of planning and decision-making will still be bedding in. Clearly, the last guys did not leave them much in the way of a structure for the new season.
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Whilst getting a leg rub from a physio, I wonder if Vidal Sassoon is doing his hair.
I wish idah could hold the ball up. So so important to getting us up the pitch.
I’m referring to Daizen😁
A lot of fishing going on. To be ignored.
clunks on 16th July 2025 7:42 pm
magic ta 🍀
Sporting miss a half chance
Ref and linesman at it
what is portugese for sofa sale
that tirney, the new guy, who signed him ?
Goalies distribution has been excellent si far.
Nygren doing very well. Fits in nicely.
Good save from Kasper
Passing through the lines much better tonight.
Some superb football from Celtic, leads to a corner.
Hatate and Nygren both taking up great positions in the channels.
Idah misses a total sitter !!!!
Sitter Idah
Sitter from Idah
How did Adam not score?
Idah should have scored after a great cross by KT
Stolen from X
We are a million miles away from Rodgers famous “million wingers” quote .
😃
Crisp fast one touch from the celts. Love nygren in midfield. Idah should score ….needs to be sharper
Btw. These are not half chances for idah. A number 9 should burst the net on both. Scoring theses chances , esp in Europe, is vital!
Idah should be ripping the net off with those type of crosses.
He seems very determined to not use any of his physical attributes.
Is Aj still on international duty?
Good scramble save by Kasper.
oh for a goalscoring centre forward
Good move again involving Nygren. Keeper saves.
Nice move from back to front but no finish.
Celtic breaking the press really well
Nygren should have scored there too
Brilliant again from our own 6 yard box. Nygren unlucky with the shot. Kaspar also looking sharp with a couple of good stops and great distribution.
Good move, Nygren doesn’t get a clean shot away, saved
I wish idah could hold the ball up
I wish he would do what a centre forward is supposed to do.
Forrest down the right but over hit his cross. Interestingly , both idah and Maeda at back post. Idah should attack near post area instinctively
O.G.Rafferty
Welcome back
LEFTCLICKTIC
Thank you! Thought it was a 8:00 KO mind
Early days but liking the look of Nygren . Fast , direct and a good touch.
Shels one up in Belfast. 0-2 now on agg. They should be home and hosed against Linfield.