We aren’t too early in the season for a crisis.
Brendan Rodgers and Celtic know that, having already faced Russell Martin’s Rangers in a match that could’ve got him the sack.
The Hoops have already experienced a catastrophic result in their bid for Champions League qualification against Kairat Almaty.
This has forced the Hoops to settle for the Europa League this season – and with their League Phase fixtures for the competition confirmed, some exciting fixtures lie ahead.
However, one of the teams Rodgers is set to face have been caught up in a bizarre public disagreement after their opening match in the competition.
Celtic Europa League opponents in bizarre public fall-out
Celtic will need to finish in the top eight if they are to go straight to the round of 16, and they must finish in the top 24 to avoid relegation.
One of the sides they will be hoping to take points from is Feyenoord, who appointed Premier League legend Robin Van Persie as their new head coach this summer.
READ MORE: Celtic hero admits his decision to exit Celtic for La Liga was ‘really stupid’
The Dutch side lost their opening match against Braga on Wednesday, and on live TV, their captain Sam Steijn had some strong words.
He said: “This was unnecessary, a very bad game of ours. Too little energy, not playing out the opportunities you get and all selfish. Then you run into such a defeat. Everyone goes for themselves.
“We have to insert the balls much faster, serve the strikers and serve me, not just want to shoot the ball on goal. We have to do it together. That starts with hard work, duelling and giving each other moments. That was not there today.”
As if this wasn’t enough, Van Persie came out to speak shortly after and was told what his captain had said, live on TV. The raging Feyenoord boss then publicly denounced his comments.
Van Persie said: “I think Sem’s choice of words is not very useful in that regard. I also don’t understand at all that he chooses that word, because it results from you making a different choice.
“I understand that he would like to have the ball, but that has nothing to do with selfishness. That has to do with choices we make on the ball.”
Who else do Celtic face in the Europa League?
The Hoops are next in European action on Thursday against Portuguese side Braga. The tie will see Gustaf Lagerbielke make his Celtic Park return.
Sturm Graz come to Glasgow on matchday three, then it’s a drip to Denmark to face Midtjylland a few days after the Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers.
The Feyenoord tie comes after that, in Rotterdam on November 27th. Roma come to Parkhead for a glamour tie on matchday six in December.
The Hoops face Italian opponents again when they visit Bologna on January 22nd, before concluding their League Phase at home to Utrecht a week later.
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