Ever since Brendan Rodgers’ return to the club was confirmed last week, the discussions have started over what to expect from Rodgers 2.0. A lot has been made about progressing in Europe, and Brendan Rodgers emphasised his aim to move the club forward in a European sense during last week’s press conference.
Having won everything there is to win in Scotland during his first spell as Celtic manager, Rodgers’ main aim second time around is to take the club to a new level in Europe. You would think that the Northern Irishman will have received assurances that the club hierarchy shares those ambitions.
While not something we readily want to admit, Celtic have been dismal in Europe for a while now. That our last European knockout win came way back in 2004 tells its own sad story. With that in mind, this article will analyse 3 things that have gone wrong for Celtic in recent years and how we can move the club forward in Europe.
Ruthlessness in front of goal
The lack of cutting-edge where it matters most has been an all too familiar story over the years. Time and time again, and especially against supposed weaker opposition, Celtic’s forwards have been wasteful in front of goal. Constantly banging on the door but unable to find an answer.
However, this isn’t just detrimental to the team against the lesser teams as it is also one of the catalysts of defeat when facing off against Europe’s elite. When the chances come, and they rarely do against the bigger sides, Celtic just don’t take them.
Last season’s Champions League campaign was a perfect example of that with the club having one of the highest xG scores in the group stage but consistently failing to hit the target. Imagine how the pendulum could have swung had Daizen Maeda been able to convert against Real Madrid and put Celtic 1-0 up early on into the second half.
While Kyogo may be a top striker at the domestic level, if Celtic is serious about progressing in Europe, a forward with a ruthless streak in front of goal at the top level is required.
Composure at the back
If missing big chances doesn’t let Celtic down in Europe, then catastrophic defensive errors most certainly do. Whether it be a goalkeeping blunder or slack play from one of our defenders, Celtic always seems to find a way to dig our own European grave.
These mistakes may be the type of thing that you can get away with in Scottish football, but when playing in Europe against teams of the highest quality, you will be punished 99% of the time.
It isn’t just defensive mistakes, though, as successive Celtic sides have struggled with finding the correct mindset to handle European football. Once one goal is conceded, there seems to be a collective dropping of heads, followed by the concession of a quick second goal.
Getting over that mental block and remaining composed at all times is another way Celtic can progress in Europe. To help with this, the recruitment team will need to focus on player mentality as much as technical ability when scouring the market for new signings.
Of course, one big win in Europe would also go a long way in giving the players a confidence boost and a reminder that they are at the top table on merit.
Luck
Now, this is something Celtic can’t control. It’s also something that hasn’t gone in Celtic’s favour in recent years with regards to European group-stage draws. Last season was a tough draw in its own right with Real Madrid and RB Leipzig but it was also ultimately too soon for an inexperienced Celtic side.
In previous years, Celtic have had groups consisting of PSG & Bayern Munich, and Barcelona & Manchester City just to name a few. If Celtic can avoid the “glamour” ties for once and get a group stage draw where the path to the next round or even dropping down into the Europa League looks a lot clearer, then it will serve them well.
James McKenzie
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