Brendan Rodgers believes that Celtic want to be particularly better in Europe and for that to happen, the team wants quality additions. . .
At a pre-match press conference in Lennoxtown, the manager said: “We want to be bigger in Europe. As undeniable as it may be, you cannot beat around the bush. When you look at where we are, we want to be bigger.
“But to be better, you want quality. And if we want to do it in Europe, we have to do it.
“We are in the Champions League format, so we would like to reach the play-off stage. “
Celtic have not had the best Champions League campaigns, having finished bottom of their organization last season.
Despite impressive performances against the likes of Lazio and Atlético Madrid, Rodgers’ side only managed to overcome four problems in six games.
Last season, under the control of Ange Postecoglou, the Scottish champions were involved in a difficult organisation consisting of Real Madrid, RB Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk, where they once finished last, with a record of two draws and four defeats.
But it seems Rodgers is keen to launch the Celts onto the European stage, and what time to do it than with a new format?
Celtic will now play in a Champions League that looks like a unique league. 36 teams will participate in the league, and the team will play 8 matches against 8 other groups. Depending on the draw, this will give Celtic the possibility to score opposite points. to weaker groups, while also having the opportunity for big draws against teams like Manchester City and Real Madrid.
Rodgers knows it’s not just about the format, it’s also about our signings. With our only participants being Viljami Sinisalo, Kasper Schmeichel and Paulo Bernardo, time is running out for more players to walk through the gates of Celtic Park.
Despite the lack of agreements reached, the manager is delighted with Celtic’s pre-season and says: “It is without a doubt one of the best pre-seasons I have ever had. “
And the promising look of his team was identified through his opponents. He continued: “I had one of my former players, who played for Chelsea, say after the game, when we played them, he spoke on the bench and talked about ‘They are a Brendan team, we are’. Opposite game to. ‘ ‘.
“So it’s a smart sign for me at a non-public point because he’s already played for me and he knows what I expect and ask for and he can see it in another team. “
The championship level draw will take place on August 29 and will begin on September 17.
Jessica Elliott
Other must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, tailored to your favorite sports and teams. Sent by email. Always free!