Celtic are at the beginning of their quest to claim more silverware this term and there is optimism among supporters amid their side’s strong start to the campaign.
Brendan Rodgers has led the Bhoys to three straight victories, scoring nine goals and conceding just once across the opening day fixture against Kilmarnock and back-to-back clashes against Hibernian.
Celtic look to be in a good place on the pitch, with the prospect of adding quality to the ranks before the deadline still prevalent. However, they could need to compensate for Matt O’Riley’s potential departure following Brighton & Hove Albion’s official bid for the Denmark international yesterday.
In the cold light of day, losing prize assets isn’t easy. However, new heroes always rise from the ashes to soften the blow should that occur.
There is also a core in the Celtic dressing room that is more determined than ever to deliver success, something Cameron Carter-Vickers has alluded to when discussing how the Bhoys plan to continue their domestic dominance.
Cameron Carter-Vickers on Celtic’s desire for success
Carter-Vickers believes Celtic will only continue to accelerate under Rodgers this season and has indicated that the Irishman’s second term back in charge, especially while in pre-season, has allowed the squad to thrive within his tactical framework while fuelling the fire in the dressing room to claim more silverware.
The United States international said, firstly alluding to the Premier Sports Cup [Daily Record]: “Obviously, last season was disappointing in this competition, but every season you want to win every competition. The aims are no different to what they were last season or previous seasons, but it’s definitely one that we want to win this year.
“I think we’re definitely capable of more. We’ve started well; it’s kind of been a continuation from pre-season, but hopefully, as the season goes on and we continue to work together, we’ll improve and get better.”
Later, he added: “Our performance so far have been good, as well as the ones in pre-season. It’s early, so for us it’s just about continuing to try to work and try to improve. That’s what we’ve been doing so far, and if we continue doing that we’ll be in a good place.
“Since it’s the manager’s second year now, I think it’s only natural that the more time he gets with the group, the more he can implement the way he wants to play and the way he wants to train and work. I think we’re in a good place. We haven’t had any injuries yet; we’re just continuing to crack away and try to get better.”
Celtic look to have found their rhythm this season
Last season wasn’t always picture perfect; sometimes, Celtic had to drag themselves over the line to claim vital results. I’m sure there will be similar challenges this time around. However, the Bhoys appear to have found their groove early into proceedings, which can only bode well for tasks ahead.
Taking an example from the squad, you get the impression Nicolas Kuhn has benefitted from an uninterrupted pre-season. The German winger suffered early complications at the club due to dental surgery, limiting his impact on the pitch.
Nevertheless, he has since nailed down a slot on the right flank and is beginning to illustrate a true reflection of his talent after joining in January.
Evaluating the experienced campaigners in the dressing room, they have started the way they left things last term. The bonus of Reo Hatate and Callum McGregor steering clear of the injury problems has also been significant; they both suffered notable fitness issues in 2023/24.
A settled environment is key for any successful side, which is currently the case. Can Celtic add to the squad before the deadline to ensure they maintain their promising start once the fixture schedule becomes more congested? We will find out by the end of next week. It would certainly help their case.
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