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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Great tackle Trusty
Good couple of challenges by Trusty.
Trusty not so good there
Corner
St Juste gets booked for a foul against McCowans mighty Mustache (good strength from Luke to draw it)
Keeper saves Trusty header
Getting a bit feisty
O.G.Rafferty on 16th July 2025 9:16 pm
Trusty not so good there
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Thats the problem at times with Trusty, as good as he is he is prone to getting outmuscled when it matters
Thought that was going to be three. Last minute block after Reo break
Tilio had to play that to Kenny earlier.
Inamura is a cool lhad with the ball at his feet under pressure
CLUNKS
CCV wins those
Tilio, not Reo
O.G.Rafferty
He does
Its that extra 10% of desire trusty doesnt show everytime
And he needs to show it every time
Played well this half since all the subs
Sinsalo has not had much to do at all
New signings look good against CL level opposition.
Trusty looks sharper. Inamura loves a tackle and is very comfy on the ball.
Nygren and Hatate men of the match first half
McCowan and Kenny 2nd half
First silverware of the season. Well deserved too
2-0 Champions of Scotland against Champions of Portugal
Very good game for us, much to look forward too
Very promising.
Good job well done
Maybe lift the spirits of the mineshafters for an hour or two 👍😄
McCowan Lukes fitter
Celtic win away in Europe
1 – 0
https://streamin.one/v/39084ed0
2-0
https://streamin.one/v/b5ac7045
Looking like a team through from intense pre season Tierney Nygren Hatate and Inamura were excellent.
🍀💚
Maybe BR knows what he’s doing after all
Friendly or not, a good performance which helps with confidence….. a much needed quality at Celtic Park in front of a hard to please support .
`night all.
Inamura. For a supposed lightweight he quite enjoyed walloping anybody that came near him. Very impressed.
Very enjoyable. Nygren changes us. The midfielder I’ve been moaning about is lacking. Smart footballer, quick feet, quick brain and looks a winner!!
If we spend money on 2-3 players we could have a seriously beautiful team this season.
Coming along nicely,
Couple of new faces and we will be fine.
In Brendan I trust
bigrailroadblues on 16th July 2025 9:31 pm
Inamura. For a supposed lightweight he quite enjoyed walloping anybody that came near him. Very impressed.
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We shall call him Roshambo
Ben Nygren looks a player for sure, good work ethic tonight, safe home Celtic.
stebhoy on 16th July 2025 9:31 pm
Very enjoyable. Nygren changes us. The midfielder I’ve been moaning about is lacking. Smart footballer, quick feet, quick brain and looks a winner!!
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Nygren turns fast and runs forward with the ball at his feet, his head up – and can make a pass
Sharp, fast and always available
Looking forward to seeing him next season
Bhoys looked good today. Well done all!
Clunks
Ffs hahahaha 😆
Sherbourne still 1 1 .2 1up on agg 87mins.
Linfield down to 10
BRRB
Lord Roshambo….hai!