After a defeat in Denmark, Celtic find themselves playing in the second tier of European football once again. In what is becoming a familiar story to those involved with the club, an early Champions League exit results in a major financial impacts at Paradise, with competing with the elite rewarding upwards of £40 million.
On Monday morning, the Qualifying round ties were drawn. Granted, Celtic need to get past Jablonec, if they do, the hoops will play Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. The matches will be played on the 19th and 26th of August, with the first Glasgow derby of the season due to be played on Sunday the 29th.
? Should #CelticFC progress to the @EuropaLeague play-off round, we will face @AZAlkmaar.
The ties will take place on 19 and 26 August.#UEL | #COYBIG ? pic.twitter.com/U4ZjhG8wAo
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 2, 2021
But who are AZ Alkmaar, and should Celtic be fearful?
The team finished third in the Everdise last season, with PSV finishing just one point ahead. AZ scored the second-most goals in the division, and with a weak Celtic defence, they will look to carry on their goalscoring. Scoring 75 goals in 34 games, the side averaged 2.2 goals a game. However, conceding 41 goals last season, AZ Alkmaar were the worst defence in the top 8 placed teams in the Netherlands. In the season before last, AZ had a chance of winning the title. Level on points with Ajax, COVID seen the league declared null and void.
Fellow Dutch side PSV has had an impressive start in their European campaign. Netting the ball seven times over two legs against Turkish side Galatasaray.
If the hoops do get a result against Jablonec over the two legs, AZ Alkmaar will not be an easy game. To progress in the competition new additions are needed to bolster the squad, especially in the defensive areas. If the business is not carried out efficiently, the hoops will almost certainly be competing in the newest European competition – The Conference League.
Joe Hart coming in will give us a boost, we’re not sure when James McCarthy will be available. A right back is still badly needed.
