Cameron Carter-Vickers insists Celtic must put their Champions League disappointment behind them and focus fully on making a statement in the Europa League.
The American defender admitted there was frustration after the Hoops failed to make the group stages of Europe’s elite competition, but he stressed that Brendan Rodgers’ squad are determined to go deep in the Europa League – starting with tonight’s opener against Red Star Belgrade.
“Obviously, disappointed we’re not in the Champions League, but for us now, we’re in this competition, we want to do as well as we can in it and that starts tomorrow,” Carter-Vickers told Celtic TV. “It’s always important to get off to a good start in every competition you’re a part of, so we’re ready to go out tomorrow and try and put on a performance.”
The Hoops face a difficult test against the Serbian champions, who boast one of the most intimidating home atmospheres in Europe at the Stadion Rajko Mitić. Carter-Vickers acknowledged the quality of the opposition and stressed the importance of Celtic reaching their highest level if they want to leave Belgrade with a positive result.
“I think it’ll definitely be a tough game. They’re a good side with a lot of quality in the team, so we have to get to our level tomorrow to try and match them and then hopefully go on and win the game,” he added.
Celtic’s last away victory in European competition came against Ferencvaros in 2021, and Rodgers’ side will be desperate to end that barren run tonight.
The Hoops had some good performances in Europe last season, and despite wanting to progress in the top competition this term, the Europa League offers a good chance to go on a run. It’s not the easiest of draws for Celtic, and it’s a tough start, but the team will be looking to put out a statement after all the talk that’s been surrounding the players recently.
