This is going to be a huge month for Celtic and Brendan Rodgers.
Not only does August kick off proceedings in the Premiership and the first Glasgow derby of the season at Rangers, but the 2025 summer transfer window is in its final month, and there are Champions League qualifiers to deal with.
Whether Celtic fans like it or not, they will have to qualify for this season’s Champions League, despite being the champions of Scotland.
Yes, it’s very frustrating, especially when teams in England are handed five automatic spots for Europe’s elite competition.
But if Celtic don’t get the job done over a two-legged qualifier, then it will be Europa League football next season.
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What would happen if Celtic ended up in the Europa League
UEFA revamped its format last season, and the change helped teams like Celtic and allowed them to compete far better.
That’s another reason, on top of the finances and playing the very best sides, to compete in the Champions League.
But Charlie Mulgrew noted on Go Radio how, if Celtic do drop down, then it does provide them a chance to relive Seville from 2003, as he also used Rangers as an example.
“I think when you are in the Champions League, you have got to focus on the Champions League,” said Mulgrew.
“You aren’t going to try and finish in a place where it gets you in the Europa League. Of course you’re not. You are going to push for the Champions League.
“But listen, if Celtic end up in the Europa League, look at Rangers in the last few years, what they have done and been on runs. It wouldn’t be the worst.
“Celtic in Seville going back to 2003. It’s still a European competition and a well-respected European competition, with really good teams in it. There are Premier League teams in it getting to finals, and winning it, so there is no reason why Celtic couldn’t do that.”
When will Celtic learn their Champions League play-off opponents?
Celtic will find out their play-off opponents for the Champions League next week, with the qualifying stage already underway, including Rangers bidding to push through.
That draw will take place on August 4. That’s when Rodgers can properly prepare for whoever comes out of the hat.
Those two ties will take place on August 19/20, which will be the first leg, and then the return leg on August 26/27.
That will all happen just before the first Glasgow derby of the season, so it makes the month of August even more important.
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