Celtic are beginning to get a clearer picture of who could stand between them and a place in this season’s Champions League league phase.
The Scottish champions are set to enter the competition at the play-off round, with the two-legged tie scheduled to take place between August 18 and August 26. It is the final hurdle before Europe’s premier competition, and at this stage the potential opponents appear to offer reasons for optimism.
As things stand, Celtic’s projected play-off opponents are Slovenia’s NK Celje, Norway’s Viking FK, Denmark’s AGF Aarhus, Austria’s LASK Linz and Cyprus side Omonia Nicosia.
On paper, none of those clubs would be viewed as favourites against Celtic. Martin O’Neiil’s side would expect to have enough quality to progress, particularly with the second leg potentially taking place in front of a packed Celtic Park.
However, appearances can be deceptive.
Every club involved will continue strengthening throughout the remainder of the transfer window, with business continuing until the end of August. Celtic know better than most that a favourable draw counts for little if preparations are incomplete.
Celtic’s Champions League Situation
The Hoops earned their place in the play-off round after their dramatic final day Premiership title triumph over Hearts. Victory secured another league championship, but Scotland’s UEFA coefficient was not high enough to hand the champions automatic qualification for the Champions League proper.
That means O’Neill’s side must negotiate one tie to secure the financial rewards and prestige that come with reaching Europe’s biggest club competition.
From a Celtic perspective, the concern is not necessarily the calibre of the opposition but the current state of the squad.
The club have brought one new attacking player through the door so far this summer in Camilo Duran, but there remains a widespread feeling that further quality is required across several areas of the team. With speculation continuing around a number of first-team players, supporters are still waiting to see how ambitious the club will be in the market.
If Celtic can strengthen significantly over the coming weeks, they should approach any of the potential ties with confidence. If recruitment continues at its current pace, there is a risk they enter one of the biggest matches of the season short of the quality required.
The draw itself is unlikely to spark much fear among supporters. The real focus now shifts to the boardroom.
The next month could ultimately prove more important than the draw itself.
New players should be in the door and training with the team. We are going out in prelims this year again. Celtic plc never f#ckin learn
This annual roll of the dice and trying to get through qualifiers before spending any real money has failed 5 times out of 7.Every other club prepares, to give them a punchers chance,except us.Clownshow.
Desmonds, McKay, Nicholson, Wilson and Hargreaves get out of our club now. Clowns 🤡.
football is unpredictable but if we strengthen and players are match fit qualifying for champions league will get better players cause every player wants to play in this tournament
Same every year. Total lack of ambition