Celtic fans are having a party because Rangers are a mess but my old club has bigger fish to fry – Chris Sutton
Celtic fans do the huddle against Rangers
Celtic making big-money signings and taking apart a hapless Rangers has brought great joy to their supporters.
In a strange way, it has also heaped the pressure onto Brendan Rodgers and his team for the Champions League. I’ve said all along that Europe is going to be a big barometer this season. And events both on-and-off the park over the past week have only strengthened my gut feeling.
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5 critical Rangers issues that must be resolved as Celtic post mortem throws up Clement question and investment demand
5 critical Rangers issues that must be resolved as Celtic post mortem throws up Clement question and investment demand
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Standout Rangers moments that could prove pivotal to Celtic’s Champions League masterplan laid bare – Sportsview
Philippe Clement not entertaining Rangers underdog status against slick Celtic machine as he only cares about one thing
Philippe Clement not entertaining Rangers underdog status against slick Celtic machine as he only cares about one thing
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Philippe Clement tells Celtic ‘see you in January’ as reeling Rangers boss pleads for patience
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Brendan Rodgers shows off his unbreakable confidence in Celtic as he sets a Champions League target
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Philippe Clement WILL win over seething Rangers support in wake of angry Old Firm rammy outside Ibrox
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The 3 Celtic derby standouts who have given Brendan Rodgers a headache and now for the fascinating part – Chris Sutton
Ianis Hagi’s agent asks Rangers fans for ‘help’ to pressure Philippe Clement into surprise return
Ianis Hagi’s agent asks Rangers fans for ‘help’ to pressure Philippe Clement into surprise return
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Ianis Hagi to STAY in Rangers wilderness as Clement directly responds to Cantwell claims
I’m convinced Brendan Rodgers made a big mistake by berating Celtic board with unheard of mocking – Hugh Keevins
I’m convinced Brendan Rodgers made a big mistake by berating Celtic board with unheard of mocking – Hugh Keevins
5 critical Rangers issues that must be resolved as Celtic post mortem throws up Clement question and investment demand
5 critical Rangers issues that must be resolved as Celtic post mortem throws up Clement question and investment demand
Standout Rangers moments that could prove pivotal to Celtic’s Champions League masterplan laid bare – Sportsview
Standout Rangers moments that could prove pivotal to Celtic’s Champions League masterplan laid bare – Sportsview
Philippe Clement not entertaining Rangers underdog status against slick Celtic machine as he only cares about one thing
Philippe Clement not entertaining Rangers underdog status against slick Celtic machine as he only cares about one thing
Philippe Clement tells Celtic ‘see you in January’ as reeling Rangers boss pleads for patience
Philippe Clement tells Celtic ‘see you in January’ as reeling Rangers boss pleads for patience
Brendan Rodgers shows off his unbreakable confidence in Celtic as he sets a Champions League target
Brendan Rodgers shows off his unbreakable confidence in Celtic as he sets a Champions League target
Philippe Clement WILL win over seething Rangers support in wake of angry Old Firm rammy outside Ibrox
Philippe Clement WILL win over seething Rangers support in wake of angry Old Firm rammy outside Ibrox
The 3 Celtic derby standouts who have given Brendan Rodgers a headache and now for the fascinating part – Chris Sutton
The 3 Celtic derby standouts who have given Brendan Rodgers a headache and now for the fascinating part – Chris Sutton
Ianis Hagi’s agent asks Rangers fans for ‘help’ to pressure Philippe Clement into surprise return
Ianis Hagi’s agent asks Rangers fans for ‘help’ to pressure Philippe Clement into surprise return
Ianis Hagi to STAY in Rangers wilderness as Clement directly responds to Cantwell claims
Ianis Hagi to STAY in Rangers wilderness as Clement directly responds to Cantwell claims
I’m convinced Brendan Rodgers made a big mistake by berating Celtic board with unheard of mocking – Hugh Keevins
I’m convinced Brendan Rodgers made a big mistake by berating Celtic board with unheard of mocking – Hugh Keevins
5 critical Rangers issues that must be resolved as Celtic post mortem throws up Clement question and investment demand
5 critical Rangers issues that must be resolved as Celtic post mortem throws up Clement question and investment demand
Standout Rangers moments that could prove pivotal to Celtic’s Champions League masterplan laid bare – Sportsview
Standout Rangers moments that could prove pivotal to Celtic’s Champions League masterplan laid bare – Sportsview
Philippe Clement not entertaining Rangers underdog status against slick Celtic machine as he only cares about one thing
Philippe Clement not entertaining Rangers underdog status against slick Celtic machine as he only cares about one thing
Philippe Clement tells Celtic ‘see you in January’ as reeling Rangers boss pleads for patience
Philippe Clement tells Celtic ‘see you in January’ as reeling Rangers boss pleads for patience
Brendan Rodgers shows off his unbreakable confidence in Celtic as he sets a Champions League target
Brendan Rodgers shows off his unbreakable confidence in Celtic as he sets a Champions League target
Philippe Clement WILL win over seething Rangers support in wake of angry Old Firm rammy outside Ibrox
Philippe Clement WILL win over seething Rangers support in wake of angry Old Firm rammy outside Ibrox
The 3 Celtic derby standouts who have given Brendan Rodgers a headache and now for the fascinating part – Chris Sutton
The 3 Celtic derby standouts who have given Brendan Rodgers a headache and now for the fascinating part – Chris Sutton
Ianis Hagi’s agent asks Rangers fans for ‘help’ to pressure Philippe Clement into surprise return
Ianis Hagi’s agent asks Rangers fans for ‘help’ to pressure Philippe Clement into surprise return
Ianis Hagi to STAY in Rangers wilderness as Clement directly responds to Cantwell claims
Ianis Hagi to STAY in Rangers wilderness as Clement directly responds to Cantwell claims
I’m convinced Brendan Rodgers made a big mistake by berating Celtic board with unheard of mocking – Hugh Keevins
I’m convinced Brendan Rodgers made a big mistake by berating Celtic board with unheard of mocking – Hugh Keevins
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 hotseat was the major task for Rodgers.
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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.
I’d have preferred earlier, but, crucially, the core is better than 12 months ago and that was evident in the way they swatted Rangers aside last Sunday with ease. Watching the game against Philippe Clement’s side, it is obvious they are in a mess.
I’d never, ever take the outcome of an Old Firm match for granted. I’ve been involved in enough of them to know that strange things can happen. But, as I made my way into the match last weekend, I sensed a lack of edge amongst the punters.
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Brendan Rodgers celebrates at full-time (Image: SNS Group)
I’m not going to go overboard and suggest it had a testimonial feel, but let’s just say there was a relaxed, almost party, atmosphere amongst them before the game had even started. It was as if the fans didn’t have any solitary doubt their heroes were going to win and the ensuing 90 minutes proved them absolutely correct.
Clement’s team were bang average and, in truth, Rangers are in a complete mess both on and off the park. That’s not just me saying that, it’s a large number of their own Ibrox faithful.
I got the impression from the reaction of the Celtic fans that beating Rangers this season simply isn’t going to be enough for them because their rivals are so bad at the moment. Of course, winning the title is always the bread and butter. The No.1 priority. But, without disrespectful to Aberdeen’s 100 per cent start, Rangers are in a state of flux that, unless there’s a transformation in Govan, Celtic are almost going to get no credit for scooping up another title.
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.
Luke McCowan and Brendan Rodgers (Image: SNS Group)
So, with the pieces in place, the pressure is on Rodgers and his players now to deliver. No-one is silly enough to suggest that there are easy games in the elite competition of Europe. Quite simply, there’s no such thing. But I don’t think anyone could argue with me if I say the draw has been kind to Celtic.
It has offered some winnable opportunities and none more so than their opening fixture. Slovan Bratislava at home is a perfect game to start and it is also absolutely huge. It’s triumph or disaster.
Get the job done, you are off and running and can approach the next seven games with real optimism and excitement. Failure to win that and, straight away, with away matches to follow immediately against last season’s Champions League runners-up Borussia Dortmund and Europa League winners Atalanta, you could be staring down the barrel of a bleak campaign.
Celtic need to get it right and I’ll be fascinated how Rodgers goes about it in the months ahead. If he can keep everyone fit, he’s got a squad to virtually change an entire team from domestic weekends to European midweeks.
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Obviously, he’s not going to do that, but I’m just saying that he could and it just adds to the feeling that Celtic need to finally do something really positive in the Champions League. It hasn’t been good enough in recent years. Nowhere near it. Rodgers has said himself it needs to improve and he must be privately delighted with the draw.
SIMILAR ARTICLES TO THIS
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5 critical Rangers issues that must be resolved as Celtic post mortem throws up Clement question and investment demand
5 critical Rangers issues that must be resolved as Celtic post mortem throws up Clement question and investment demand
Standout Rangers moments that could prove pivotal to Celtic’s Champions League masterplan laid bare – Sportsview
Standout Rangers moments that could prove pivotal to Celtic’s Champions League masterplan laid bare – Sportsview
Philippe Clement not entertaining Rangers underdog status against slick Celtic machine as he only cares about one thing
Philippe Clement not entertaining Rangers underdog status against slick Celtic machine as he only cares about one thing
Philippe Clement tells Celtic ‘see you in January’ as reeling Rangers boss pleads for patience
Philippe Clement tells Celtic ‘see you in January’ as reeling Rangers boss pleads for patience
Brendan Rodgers shows off his unbreakable confidence in Celtic as he sets a Champions League target
Brendan Rodgers shows off his unbreakable confidence in Celtic as he sets a Champions League target
Philippe Clement WILL win over seething Rangers support in wake of angry Old Firm rammy outside Ibrox
Philippe Clement WILL win over seething Rangers support in wake of angry Old Firm rammy outside Ibrox
The 3 Celtic derby standouts who have given Brendan Rodgers a headache and now for the fascinating part – Chris Sutton
The 3 Celtic derby standouts who have given Brendan Rodgers a headache and now for the fascinating part – Chris Sutton
Ianis Hagi’s agent asks Rangers fans for ‘help’ to pressure Philippe Clement into surprise return
Ianis Hagi’s agent asks Rangers fans for ‘help’ to pressure Philippe Clement into surprise return
Ianis Hagi to STAY in Rangers wilderness as Clement directly responds to Cantwell claims
Ianis Hagi to STAY in Rangers wilderness as Clement directly responds to Cantwell claims
I’m convinced Brendan Rodgers made a big mistake by berating Celtic board with unheard of mocking – Hugh Keevins
I’m convinced Brendan Rodgers made a big mistake by berating Celtic board with unheard of mocking – Hugh Keevins
5 critical Rangers issues that must be resolved as Celtic post mortem throws up Clement question and investment demand
5 critical Rangers issues that must be resolved as Celtic post mortem throws up Clement question and investment demand
Standout Rangers moments that could prove pivotal to Celtic’s Champions League masterplan laid bare – Sportsview
Standout Rangers moments that could prove pivotal to Celtic’s Champions League masterplan laid bare – Sportsview
Philippe Clement not entertaining Rangers underdog status against slick Celtic machine as he only cares about one thing
Philippe Clement not entertaining Rangers underdog status against slick Celtic machine as he only cares about one thing
Philippe Clement tells Celtic ‘see you in January’ as reeling Rangers boss pleads for patience
Philippe Clement tells Celtic ‘see you in January’ as reeling Rangers boss pleads for patience
Brendan Rodgers shows off his unbreakable confidence in Celtic as he sets a Champions League target
Brendan Rodgers shows off his unbreakable confidence in Celtic as he sets a Champions League target
Philippe Clement WILL win over seething Rangers support in wake of angry Old Firm rammy outside Ibrox
Philippe Clement WILL win over seething Rangers support in wake of angry Old Firm rammy outside Ibrox
The 3 Celtic derby standouts who have given Brendan Rodgers a headache and now for the fascinating part – Chris Sutton
The 3 Celtic derby standouts who have given Brendan Rodgers a headache and now for the fascinating part – Chris Sutton
Ianis Hagi’s agent asks Rangers fans for ‘help’ to pressure Philippe Clement into surprise return
Ianis Hagi’s agent asks Rangers fans for ‘help’ to pressure Philippe Clement into surprise return
Ianis Hagi to STAY in Rangers wilderness as Clement directly responds to Cantwell claims
Ianis Hagi to STAY in Rangers wilderness as Clement directly responds to Cantwell claims
I’m convinced Brendan Rodgers made a big mistake by berating Celtic board with unheard of mocking – Hugh Keevins
I’m convinced Brendan Rodgers made a big mistake by berating Celtic board with unheard of mocking – Hugh Keevins
5 critical Rangers issues that must be resolved as Celtic post mortem throws up Clement question and investment demand
5 critical Rangers issues that must be resolved as Celtic post mortem throws up Clement question and investment demand
Standout Rangers moments that could prove pivotal to Celtic’s Champions League masterplan laid bare – Sportsview
Standout Rangers moments that could prove pivotal to Celtic’s Champions League masterplan laid bare – Sportsview
Philippe Clement not entertaining Rangers underdog status against slick Celtic machine as he only cares about one thing
Philippe Clement not entertaining Rangers underdog status against slick Celtic machine as he only cares about one thing
Philippe Clement tells Celtic ‘see you in January’ as reeling Rangers boss pleads for patience
Philippe Clement tells Celtic ‘see you in January’ as reeling Rangers boss pleads for patience
Brendan Rodgers shows off his unbreakable confidence in Celtic as he sets a Champions League target
Brendan Rodgers shows off his unbreakable confidence in Celtic as he sets a Champions League target
Philippe Clement WILL win over seething Rangers support in wake of angry Old Firm rammy outside Ibrox
Philippe Clement WILL win over seething Rangers support in wake of angry Old Firm rammy outside Ibrox
The 3 Celtic derby standouts who have given Brendan Rodgers a headache and now for the fascinating part – Chris Sutton
The 3 Celtic derby standouts who have given Brendan Rodgers a headache and now for the fascinating part – Chris Sutton
Ianis Hagi’s agent asks Rangers fans for ‘help’ to pressure Philippe Clement into surprise return
Ianis Hagi’s agent asks Rangers fans for ‘help’ to pressure Philippe Clement into surprise return
Ianis Hagi to STAY in Rangers wilderness as Clement directly responds to Cantwell claims
Ianis Hagi to STAY in Rangers wilderness as Clement directly responds to Cantwell claims
I’m convinced Brendan Rodgers made a big mistake by berating Celtic board with unheard of mocking – Hugh Keevins
I’m convinced Brendan Rodgers made a big mistake by berating Celtic board with unheard of mocking – Hugh Keevins
My opinion was different to the Celtic manager’s last season. He felt there were positive aspects from the group-stage campaign. I didn’t see it the same way. It wasn’t a brutal group, yet Celtic were basically out with two games left. Otherwise known as the earliest possible point, so there’s loads to improve upon.
Celtic’s home matches against Bratislava, Leipzig, Young Boys and Bruges are games which could be won. At the very least not lost. Same should go for the game against Dinamo in Zagreb. Dortmund, Atalanta and Aston Villa away will be tough, but that’s just three out of the eight games.
The Celtic supporters are desperate to see their team finally make that long-awaited impact on the continent. With the new signings put in place and a weakness seeping out of Rangers at the moment, it may almost be a demand.
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