What Led to Celtic's Champions League Exit in Almaty?

Celtic's recent exit from the Champions League at the hands of Kairat Almaty has highlighted serious issues within the club, prompting a much-needed introspection regarding their performance in European qualifiers over the last decade. This defeat marks yet another low point in a series of disappointing early exits, with the club now facing questions about its direction and ambition in European football.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways from Celtic's Champions League Exit

• Celtic failed to score in 210 minutes of play and missed three penalties in the shootout against Kairat Almaty.
• The defeat signifies a collective failure involving players, the manager, and the board.
• Brendan Rodgers' squad appears weaker than last season despite recent signings.
• The club's ambition has been called into question, particularly in European competitions.
• There is a growing disconnect between the board and fans regarding the club's future direction.

Celtic’s Champions League History: A Decade of Disappointments

Over the past twelve seasons, Celtic has faced several humiliating exits in the Champions League qualifiers, including defeats to teams like Maribor, Malmo, AEK Athens, CFR Cluj, Ferencvaros, and FC Midtjylland. Each defeat has compounded the narrative of Celtic's struggle in European football, raising serious concerns over their status as a “great European club.” With the memories of their historic 1967 European Cup victory still fresh, the stark contrast between past glories and present failures is disheartening.

The Latest Setback: Almaty

The recent defeat to Kairat Almaty stands out as particularly galling. In two matches, Celtic failed to find the net, wasting opportunities and ultimately bowing out in a shootout. The outcome was shocking, especially considering that Kairat Almaty is a team that a club of Celtic's stature should be beating comfortably. The financial implications are equally severe, with an estimated £40 million at stake in terms of potential revenue from progressing in the tournament.

Brendan Rodgers: A Manager Under Fire

Brendan Rodgers has been under scrutiny following this latest setback. While he has overseen some remarkable victories in domestic competitions, his tactical choices and player management in Europe have come under fire. Notably, leaving key signings like Arne Engels and Adam Idah on the bench raises questions about his strategy and faith in the squad.

Player Performance and Selection Issues

Rodgers' recent selections reveal a troubling trend. Many of his summer signings have struggled to make an impact, with some not even featuring in crucial matches. The core of the Celtic team remains largely comprised of players from the previous management under Ange Postecoglou, indicating a lack of cohesion and adaptation to Rodgers' style. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the club’s recruitment strategy and the manager's ability to integrate new players into the squad.

The Role of the Board

The board of directors, led by major shareholder Dermot Desmond, is also facing criticism for its lack of proactive engagement with fans and its apparent failure to back the manager adequately in the transfer market. The disconnect between the board's vision and supporters' expectations is palpable, with many fans questioning how the club has transitioned from competitive performances against teams like Bayern Munich to the humiliation of losing to Kairat Almaty.

Financial Implications of Failure

The financial implications of this defeat are significant. Missing out on Champions League revenue not only impacts the club’s budget for player acquisitions but also undermines the club's competitive standing both domestically and in Europe. The £40 million loss in potential income is a stark reminder of what is at stake during these qualifiers, highlighting the urgent need for a strategic overhaul.

Future Directions: What’s Next for Celtic?

The immediate future for Celtic is uncertain. While the club may still achieve domestic success, the lessons from the Almaty defeat must not be overlooked. If the club fails to address the underlying issues, including squad depth, ambition, and managerial strategy, it risks further embarrassment in future European competitions.

Rebuilding the Club’s Identity

Moving forward, Celtic must reaffirm its identity as a serious contender in European football. This includes enhancing the squad's quality, ensuring effective recruitment, and fostering a culture of ambition within the club. A clear vision from the board regarding the club's aspirations in Europe could help to bridge the gap between management and supporters, restoring faith in the club's direction.

Conclusion: A Call for Change

The recent exit from the Champions League is a wake-up call for Celtic. It highlights the need for introspection and change at all levels of the club. The fans deserve transparency, ambition, and a renewed commitment to competing on the European stage. As the club looks ahead, it must take these lessons to heart to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.

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FAQs

What went wrong for Celtic in the Champions League qualifiers?

Celtic failed to score in two matches against Kairat Almaty, missing crucial penalties in the shootout. The team appeared weaker than in previous seasons and lacked cohesion, leading to their exit.

Who is to blame for Celtic’s defeat?

The defeat is a collective failure involving players, manager Brendan Rodgers, and the club's board. Poor player selection and a lack of ambition in the transfer market contributed to the team's struggles.

What are the financial implications of Celtic's exit?

Missing out on the Champions League could cost Celtic around £40 million in potential revenue, impacting their budget for player acquisitions and future competitiveness.

What does the future hold for Brendan Rodgers?

Rodgers' future at Celtic is uncertain, with no contract offer currently on the table. His frustration with the board's lack of support has been evident, and there may be changes at the managerial level if the situation does not improve.

How can Celtic rebuild after this defeat?

Celtic needs to reassess its ambitions, enhance squad quality, and ensure effective recruitment. A clear vision from the board could help restore confidence and direction for the club.