Celtic set to face Rapid Vienna as one of the unknown pre-season opponents is finally revealed

By John McGinley

June 21, 2022

Celtic are set to face Rapid Vienna this summer, with training camp organisers SLFC sharing details of the Bhoys pre-season trip to Austria.

It’s already known that Celtic will play matches on 6th and 9th July – however, it’s been unclear who the opponents will be with the Bhoys not yet making an announcement.

SLFC, who are arranging a number of pre-season training camps for teams all over the world in Austria this summer, say that Celtic are due to play Rapid Vienna on the 9th at the Allianz Stadium in Vienna.

Older supporters will recall an infamous and controversial European tie against the Austrians back in 1984, although clearly there are no tensions between the two clubs in this era.

Rapid Vienna were pre-season opponents for Brendan Rodgers’ group back in 2017, with the two sides playing out a 1-1 draw.

Another friendly took place in the summer of 2014, again ending 1-1.

Celtic also played them in competitive action during the Tony Mowbray reign back in 2009.

The identity of the 6th July competitors remains unknown, although a number of sides around Europe in the country taking part in pre-season preparations, so it could come from left-field.

Celtic also play Banik Ostrava, Legia Warsaw, Blackburn Rovers and Norwich City this summer ahead of the big Scottish Premiership kick-off against Aberdeen on 31st July.

It will be an exciting time for supporters to see Ange Postecoglou’s side back in action, potentially with a raft of new signings.

Goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist was officially announced as a Celtic player tonight.

Left-back Alexandro Bernabei and last season’s loan star Jota are also said to be on the brink of signing for the club and you wouldn’t put it past the Bhoys to add another couple beyond that before the big trip to Austria.

Bring it on!

In other news, “Really positive discussions”; Ange Postecoglou reacts to Celtic move for Ben Siegrist.