If Matt O’Riley’s comments are anything to go by, the Celtic squad is feeling very positive about their ability to make a mark in Europe this year under Brendan Rodgers.
Last year’s UEFA Champions League campaign was an exciting ride but ultimately disappointing. Not only did Celtic not look close to qualifying for the knockout stages but the parachute into the Europa League was also ultimately well beyond our reach.
This season, Rodgers has come in with the express intent to improve our fortunes in continental competition and that mindset is certainly now emanating from the Celtic squad. O’Riley reckons they can overcome underdog status to cause a few upsets. And reckons all of his teammates must have the same belief.
He said [Scottish Sun]: “For me personally, being in Scotland for a year, I’m now in a better place than I was then. Experience can only help whether it is good experience or bad. Going into the next crack at the Champions League I think you are more prepared mentally because you know the level.
“I just hope all the team really believe we can actually do something this year, because I think it’s possible. It’s football, isn’t it? We have seen things in the past where teams not expected to win things do win them. Leicester won the Premier League, and I think we should go into the Champions League believing that we can win every game. Not necessarily expecting to, but we have to give ourselves the best chance of doing well.
“Of course, I understand the argument about budgets from a fans’ perspective and an outside perspective. But I just look at it from a human perspective. I look at a player on the other team and, fair enough, they might be in a Real Madrid kit or a Barcelona kit but they are still a human being like I am. And if we play well on the day we can definitely win a football match. We might not be favourites in every game, but it’s still possible.
“Scottish football gets a bit overlooked and the Champions League is the platform to really show that the teams in this league can play good football and really compete. Going into this year I would like to put a marker down and say, ‘OK we are actually here for a reason’.”
There are obvious barriers for Celtic in a tournament at this level. O’Riley alludes to some of them in his comments. The financial gulf between the Bhoys and most of the other teams in the group stages is vast.
That kind of gap isn’t magically closed by mindset, but it’s clear that the Celtic squad at least have belief – and that’s part of the battle. Walking out to a sold-out Celtic Park under a manager like Rodgers on a Champions League night will have the players feeling ten feet tall and, from there, anything can happen.
It’s key that are our players are thinking like this at a foundational level, onto which other aspects of winning performances in Europe can be built by the staff. This group wants to make a name for themselves.
In other news, Moussa Dembele sends message to Celtic fans after impressive debut for Al-Ettifaq.
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