Ange Postecoglou addresses Celtic Champions League entry update

By John McGinley

May 5, 2022

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou is relishing the chance to take his team into the UEFA Champions League group stages next season. However, he understands there’s still work to do this season first.

If Celtic win the Scottish Premiership they’ll go straight into the groups of the big European tournament. The Bhoys won’t even have to play a single qualifier.

This is not only a result of Russian clubs being banned from UEFA club competition next term, but also Villarreal’s exit from this year’s tournament at the hands of Liverpool.

Ange says Champions League is ‘massive incentive’ for Celtic

Asked about the extra incentive for winning the league, Postecoglou told Celtic TV: “I was well aware at the beginning of the year that this was the likelihood.

“So we knew it was an important title to win because of all the benefits you get from guaranteed group stage Champions League football.

“That’s the level we all want to be at. That’s where we want this football club to be. So, of course, that’s a massive incentive.

“First of all is to bring some joy and success to our supporters, particularly after last year when we didn’t have any success. Giving something back to them this year was going to be important.”

Everyone is keenly aware that Celtic haven’t quite won the league yet despite the very strong position at the top of the table.

A victory against Hearts all but guarantees the trophy lift, which would see the Bhoys move at least six points clear by the end of the weekend with a big goal difference advantage.

Only four points are needed from the final three fixtures. Eyes on the prize!

In other news, Scott McDonald says rivals “failed” at Celtic Park as he sets derby narrative straight.