Celtic have had a solely domestic focus in the early stages of the 2024/25 season but the Champions League soon comes into play.
After a Scottish Premiership test at home to Hearts on Saturday, Celtic will be preparing to tackle Slovan Bratislava on matchday one of the new-look tournament.
Opening with a home game against a competitive opponent is perfect for Brendan Rodgers and his team to build some momentum in the 36-team league phase.
Champions League winner Owen Hargreaves, who lifted the trophy with Manchester United, reckons that the changes UEFA have made could end up suiting the Bhoys.
Hargreaves believes Celtic can be ‘optimistic’ about Champions League
The former midfielder said [Scottish Sun]: “I always find it’s tricky for teams like Celtic in the Champions League because people are always so hypercritical with the fact they don’t get into the later stages. But the budgets are vastly different. So what do people expect?
“Financially it’s great for them to be in it but, let’s be honest, it’s not realistic to think they’re going to go and win it. This new format could maybe benefit them, though. You’re not doing a home and away against Barcelona or Manchester City.
“Brendan is back where he wants to be and a guy like Kasper Schmeichel is a good addition. This new league might be able to help them too. They’ve got some tough games but at least half of them are winnable. Brendan will be super optimistic and positive.”
Celtic fan expectations for European campaign
The draw was pretty kind to Celtic. In comparison to some of the horror sets of fixtures they could have gotten, Rodgers and his team have eight games that can result in significant points on the board.
It’s thought that nine or ten points could see the team finish in that top 24 slot that the manager has made clear is his ambition for this year’s tournament.
Fan expectations will fall in line with that projection. Nobody is expecting Celtic to destroy Europe’s best teams but finishing in a play-off position is viable and achievable.
Opening with a strong victory against Slovan Bratislava next Wednesday would go a long way to bolster confidence that can happen. Let’s get it done.
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