Celtic’s Champions League exit in August sparked quite the fury.
It has since led to Celtic’s Saturday night statement, an insider seemingly briefing against Brendan Rodgers, and then the manager himself producing a press conference to remember.
On top of that, Celtic fans protested at Kilmarnock on Sunday, as failure to beat Kairat Almaty has landed the champions of Scotland in the Europa League.
But in the overall picture, when you look at Celtic’s performances in Europe, it doesn’t make for great reading despite their domestic success, and it was discussed by David Pleat.
Celtic’s struggles in Europe amid domestic success
Celtic have won 13 of the last 14 titles in Scotland, and are probably going to make it title number 56 this term, with only Hearts looking like they will challenge.
But Pleat, speaking on talkSPORT, stated how the finances in Europe have put Celtic well and truly on the back burner.
The former Tottenham coach explained how winning Europe’s biggest prize is now all ‘to do with money’, and if you don’t have that, then it’s ‘very hard to succeed.’
Jim White: “You’ve done a bit of work for Celtic. Do you worry about the Scottish game?”
Pleat: “I see the standard of the Scottish game. It’s difficult for Celtic and Rangers because they can win continually, and then they come into a higher grade, Europe, and then they’ve got to adapt.
“Unless you’ve got better players. A lot of smaller countries, and I say that with respect to Scotland, where the teams are winning easily in their leagues. Easily. Comfortably. They’re in the Champions League, year after year, but don’t make any progress.
“In the end, the Champions League is won by the biggest teams in the world, so it’s very difficult. It’s to do with money. I’m afraid it’s to do with money. If you don’t get the very best players, which cost the top dollar. It’s very hard to succeed.”
Where Celtic don’t shop for players
Put aside how Celtic go about their business, in terms of how they replace players, and when they bring them in, etc…
One thing that can’t be argued is that certain markets have worked very, very well for the club, and Pleat touched upon that when talking about trying to compete in the Champions League.
“They’re shopping in Japan and Scandinavia, under the radar, and they’ve done very well with some signings,” added Pleat.
“But they don’t shop particularly, in Italy or France, or Spain, where the players cost a little bit more money.”
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