Alistair Johnston and Celtic are experiencing many difficulties when moving from domestic to European football.
The Canadian is part of a Hoops side that have taken 19 points from a possible 21 so far in the Premiership. It’s early days but we’re already looking good for a third title on the spin. Yet in Europe, it’s all very difficult.
Under Ange Postecoglou last season, we managed two points from a possible 18. So far this season we have 0 from six. It’s a jump in standard that we haven’t been able to make so far.
There are so many differences between the Premiership and the UEFA Champions League that sometimes you even question if Celtic are playing the same sport. Johnston agrees that the change is huge, and not always just in terms of the opposition. He has a theory about referees.
“I think it’s difficult for us,” he told The Herald in reference to the low foul threshold in European competition.
“Potentially a lot of the fouls out there we get away with in the Scottish Premiership. They let a little bit more go on whereas out here it’s the Champions League, the beautiful game, and they want to hone in on some of those fouls.
“That’s sometimes a little bit of a struggle for us, that changing of the game. But I thought we played well. We had moments. I’m going through the match in my head and the moments are flashing up.
“It’s amazing some of the quality that some of the players have and they can step up to these moments and these experiences and live it and not be overwhelmed it.
“Teams are ruthless and clinical. If you give up a half-chance, which potentially you might get away with in the Scottish Premiership, then you won’t get away with it here. That’s something we just need to be smart with.”
There is no doubt that the threshold for fouls, yellow cards and red cards is lower in UEFA competition. But that’s just something this team needs to learn.
For all of the good football we play at times, the team still seems a little naive at this level. For example, an experienced, polished European side would not have lost that match on Wednesday, even if they couldn’t find a winner.
If Brendan Rodgers can keep players like Johnston, Matt O’Riley and Kyogo Furuhashi at the club, and add real quality in the transfer market, we should be able to make strides at this level.
Stepping away from the disappointment of Wednesday, the overall signs are pretty promising. It’s just much harder to see that when we keep losing games.
Celtic need to find a ruthless, nasty edge in these games. We’ll sure need it against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid over the next two matches.
In other news, what the Italian media are saying about Celtic vs Lazio
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