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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Nygren looks to have run out of swedish steam this half
Dane Murray having a decent enough game – good distribution
They break, good save
Sporting hit the post
Sinisalo the other change
Ralston tidy tackle
Superbok playing well all over the pitch for SP
😃
Scary at the back but Celtic break quickly
So many Hoops in the crowd tonight …
Liam Neeson with a great defensive header
Celtic poor positioning at the back, Sporting wide
Lots of the team playing well but Reo stands out.
T
Nygren takes a sore one after a poor first touch (tiredness)
Lots of Celtic subs preparing to come on
Here comes the cavalry.
Superb swivel from the Swede
Nygren gets the ball out quickly. This is a good thing.
Nygren is a leader
Looks like 6 or 7 changes 25 to go
Mins not subs :)
7 subs on 67 minutes
Yes!!!!!!
Goal!!!
McCoan
Engels needs to fight for his place. Good thing!
Great goal
Great break at speed, Luke takes his time, holds of three defenders, finishes cooly
Well played Kenny riding a tackle
The on to Luke who shimmys the defender
And slots it in
What a move!
Superb goal Luke McCowan 2:0
Great play Kenny, great finish McCowan
Excellent entirely. The sort of goal Celtic used to concede in Europe regularly too
Lovely Luke . Nice play Kenny
holds off, even
Luke yellow
McCowan gets booked, not sure what for as it was Kenny that conceded the foul (for a crime against the mustahios?)
CLUNKS
Mistake or did he say something?
Kenny may not be the answer but he has done a lot better up front tonight than Idah.
No idea, be a harsh booking for dissent in a friendly
MUST have been his mustache
CLUNKS
Contributary factor, no doubt
Trusty makes 2 good tackles in as many minutes