Paul Scholes says Brendan Rodgers has changed something with Celtic in the Champions League

Add as preferred source on Google

It has been a long time since Celtic have been playing Champions League football beyond the New Year.

In years gone by, Celtic would have already headed for the European exit door and just pushed to dominate on the domestic scene for the rest of the campaign.

But UEFA revamping the Champions League format this season has worked in the Hoops’ favour as they now prepare for a two-legged play-off encounter against Bayern Munich.

Brendan Rodgers will be fully aware that his team are up against it, but this is what the club wants and needs if they are to continue to progress.

One of the reasons why Celtic were able to book a play-off spot in the Champions League was because of the home form – unbeaten – and a much-improved showing on the road.

Paul Scholes faced many great Celtic sides of the past and he would have also seen what they have produced after his retirement, as he now senses a change.

Paul Scholes says Celtic have become more ‘solid’ away from home in the Champions League

In Rodgers’ first spell, and then on match day two of this season’s Champions League campaign, everyone felt that nothing was changing at Celtic when they were on the road in Europe.

That Dortmund horror show brought back some bad memories, but since then, the team has bounced back pretty well, including securing two clean sheets.

Ahead of the Celtic’s clash against Bayern, Scholes noted how the champions of Scotland can ‘beat anyone’ at Parkhead, but the same can’t be said for the away matches.

However, the legendary midfielder has told the Overlap that now seems to be changing and Celtic are more ‘solid’ on their travels.

“When I think of Celtic, the Champions League and European competitions,” said Scholes. “I think they can beat anybody at home. Not a problem.

“But they always got beat away. It seems a bit like they have got a bit more solid away from home. Would that be right?!”

Celtic’s results on the road in the Champions League

Celtic will be grateful that the first leg of their Champions League tie against Bayern is at home because it provides them with a better chance of winning.

The last time they were in Germany, things weren’t so great and everyone will be eager to put things right when that Munich trip comes about.

But some of Celtic’s performances on the road this season should be a comfort that things are changing for the better.