Celtic's Europa League Draw: A Reflection on Current Challenges
"We are where we are. This is a good point for this group of players."
Brendan Rodgers' immediate post-match reaction following Celtic's Europa League opening draw against Red Star Belgrade highlights the team's current reality.
A year ago, just before their Champions League opener against Slovan Bratislava, Rodgers expressed that he was "in the best place I’ve been" at the club. However, after a disappointing playoff defeat to Kairat Almaty dashed hopes of returning to the elite competition, the Scottish champions found themselves facing criticism and relegated to the Europa League.
Their return to this second-tier competition began on a lackluster note, but the introduction of goalscorer Kelechi Iheanacho revitalized their performance, providing what Rodgers described as "a great platform" for earning their first point.
From feeling "the most ready" for a Champions League challenge just a year ago to now requesting "realism" in the Europa League, how does Celtic's European landscape appear today?
If this draw had occurred in the Champions League, the accolades would likely have flowed. However, while Celtic faced their struggles in Almaty, Red Star suffered a shocking exit at the hands of Cypriot champions Pafos in their playoff.
Both sets of supporters were dismayed by their teams' exits, and the disgruntled fans of former European champions Red Star made their dissatisfaction evident with numerous empty seats at the stadium. Despite this, signs outside the venue proclaimed 'Welcome to Hellgrade,' a sentiment not taken lightly.
Nonetheless, teenage right-back Colby Donovan stood firm, and winger Sebastian Tounekti showcased his skills during his European debut for the Scottish champions. These two were the only new additions to the squad following their exit in Kazakhstan, and although they were competing in a different tournament, this match posed a significant challenge.
A notable improvement from the Almaty match was Rodgers' ability to deploy Iheanacho, a natural number nine. While his arrival at Parkhead garnered little initial excitement, he proved his value in Belgrade by providing Celtic with a focal point and an option for the coach. Iheanacho was the only substitute warming up at halftime and was brought on to start the second half.
What’s Next for Celtic?
Rodgers acknowledged that he "could have made a couple of changes" but ultimately opted for just one substitution. He made four additional substitutions in the second half, but none had the impact that Iheanacho did. With key players from previous Champions League campaigns—Kyogo Furuhashi, Nicolas Kuhn, and Jota—absent, Rodgers is left with limited options.
Furuhashi departed in January, Jota is sidelined with a long-term injury, and Kuhn's departure was largely due to his rising profile on larger stages. Yet, Celtic has struggled to fill these gaps, leading Rodgers to express feeling "empty" after a meager summer transfer window, a sentiment echoed by frustrated supporters in recent weeks.
With mounting pressure from fans, Rodgers called for "realism" in evaluating the result, particularly after three consecutive years in the Champions League have come to an end. "I think that we are where we are and I think that tonight is a good point," the Northern Irishman told TNT Sports. "You’re probably not going to win all eight games, so I think a bit of realism is needed. This is a good point for this squad of players and for us coming here. There will always be criticism, but if you come to Belgrade and earn a point against a team that has won seven games out of seven in the league, we can only focus on what we can control ourselves."
What Are the Fans Saying?
Walter: Good result away in a difficult place. Celtic can build on this.
Bez: Fantastic point away from home against a very well-organized team.
Joe: The squad is stale and weak in ideas. They are devoid of energy and confidence.
Mark: Would have taken the draw beforehand, but the chances we had were gilt-edged. Iheanacho could have had a hat-trick.
Jim: Fair result. Good contest, but both sides lacked quality.
Robbie: Embarrassing for Celtic and Scottish football as a whole. If Celtic are the best we have, we're way off the pace. Can't believe people thought they gave a good account of themselves tonight.
Johnny: Same old Celtic and same old European campaign. Advancing beyond the group stage seems unlikely.
Amos: To be honest, should we expect anything else? Celtic are actually weaker than at this stage last year due to the lack of signings and the loss of good players.
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