Callum McGregor’s recent interview on Celtic TV ahead of the club’s USA tour has given fans a glimpse into his mindset as the new season approaches. The Celtic captain, known for his leadership and passion, is clearly focused for the season ahead and while the Champions League has the glamour, the Callum makes it clear the priorities.
“Everybody always looks forward to the Champions League. The players, the staff and everyone else at the club are no different to that. It’s an exciting tournament but first and foremost, the league is the priority,” McGregor stated.
McGregor emphasised that while the Champions League is an exciting, the primary goal remains securing the league title. “If you don’t win the league, you don’t get to the Champions League so that will be the main priority. Then as always, as a group of winners, we want to try and win everything that’s on offer for us.”

Winning the league is a reminder of the foundations that have to be built to achieve European aspirations. However, Celtic fans really want to see the club make a better fist of it when it comes to Europe.
McGregor made it clear he takes nothing for granted when it comes to any competition. “There’s no arrogance or anything in saying that. I’m sure every other team will be saying the same.”
It remains to be see whether we can make a better account of ourselves in the Champions League with its new format. Celtic will play four home game and four away against 8 different opposition.
The Scottish champions have become the whipping bhoys over the past decade and something needs to change.
What Calmac failed to mention, was the winners of next season SPFL, have lost there automatic CL place, so the qualification route will be required, regardless?
We still have to improve hugely in the coefficient stakes, especially as its about all the scum have got left, to aim at in our direction?
Heading into a “Proper 55” season still remains as our main goal for achievement in the success gained?
Yet the CL next season, is fast becoming a close 2nd nowadays, especially with the scum becoming less relevant in each passing year at present?
Will be a far more intense season, especially with CL matches running for longer, and with the league cup also up for grabs?
So potentially the demands, will grow next season also?
So getting this window correct, with the overall squad, to match them extra demands involved, still is crucial for ourselves to get right, all the same imo?
Wouldn’t expect the overall squad to be completed before the opening game of the season, at this stage?
But still a fair bit to be done, and decisions to be made, upon how our 25man squad will be finalised by the time this window actually shuts?
“something needs to change” to avoid being the perennial whipping b(h)oys.
How about the ever-present during these years, captain McGregor himself?
As demonstrated yet again in the Euros for Scotland, when a step up in class is required, McGregor is found wanting, as he always is for Celtic, in European competition.
He should be the go-to guy with his level of experience but instead he retreats into his shell, content with the safe, sideways or backward pass.