Celtic Football Club is synonymous with success in Scottish football, boasting a rich history filled with trophies and memorable moments…
However, the club’s performance this season has come under scrutiny, during pivotal moments in both domestic and European competitions. As the landscape of football evolves, fans and analysts alike have repeatedly asked the question: Does Celtic’s squad need a full rebuild to revitalise success? Let’s dive straight in to find out.
Is the current Celtic squad in need of a rebuild?
There are many things to consider, and most supporters say that for the team to achieve success this season, a rebuild is indeed essential. Some of the things that need to be considered include the following:
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- Assessing the current squad
- The case for a full rebuild
- The role of management and strategy
Assessing the current squad
The current Celtic squad, while boasting an abundance of talented players, is also filled with individuals who have experienced mixed levels of form or have yet to find their best form since arriving at the club.
Key pillars of the current team, such as Kasper Schmeichel, Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Daizen Maeda, to name a few, have shown flashes of brilliance but have also been prone to inconsistency this season.
This inconsistency highlights a critical issue within the squad, which includes a lack of depth and experience in pressure situations and an imbalance in the squad caused by a far from satisfactory summer transfer window.
Additionally, some players have been with the club for an extended period and may be past their prime and that includes Schmeichel, McGregor and also James Forrest.
Others have one eye on an exit in January with both Daizen Maeda and Yang having had to expend their stays at the club in the summer after sought after replacements failed to arrive. Both are likely to leave the club in January.
Meanwhile the summer arrivals have yet to properly establish themselves as quality performers in the current Celtic squad and that’s a fairly lengthy list including Benjamin Nygren, Michel-Ange Balikwisha, Kieran Tierney, Kelechi Iheanacho and Sebastian Tounekti who started promisingly but has faded.
Fans who enjoy betting online understand the importance of having a fresh squad capable of adapting to the ever-evolving dynamics of the game, particularly in high-stakes matches. This is crucial not only for maintaining dominance in the Scottish Premiership but also for making a significant impact in European competitions with Celtic involved in the Europa League this season after failing to beat the minnows Kairat Almaty in the Champions League play-off qualifying round.
Furthermore, the club needs to strike a balance between homegrown talent and seasoned professionals. The departure of core players can leave gaps that young players might not yet be ready to fill, although Colby Donovan and Dane Murray both have made an impact this season under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers. It is essential to combine youth with experience to create a well-rounded squad that can meet the rigours of both domestic and international football.
The case for a full rebuild
Many supporters argue that a full rebuild may be necessary next summer. Transitioning towards a younger squad that is aligned with modern football tactics could revitalise the team’s fortunes and with Brendan Rodgers likely to leave the club at the end of this season when his three year contract ends, the next Celtic manager is going to want to put his own stamp on his squad.
Celtic has a well established youth academy that has produced talented players in the past, and investing in these emerging talents could be key to securing future success. Kieran Tierney emerged from the Academy a decade ago and more recently Colby Donovan is a success story. Ben Gannon Doak also came through the Celtic Academy before Liverpool moved in to sign him.
A full rebuild does not necessarily mean discarding every player on the current squad. Instead, it involves careful assessment of each player’s contributions and potential. Acquiring new talent who can inject energy and creativity into the squad will be essential if Celtic aims to compete not only for domestic titles but also to have a better shot in Europe, something Celtic supporters got a brief glimpse of last season. Sadly though the Celtic Board failed to back the manager’s calls in the summer to sign at least three quality Champions League ready players. Had they done so Rodgers would have been more than happy to extend his stay at the club.
With the financial landscape of football changing rapidly, clubs that fail to evolve risk being left behind. A comprehensive review of the transfer policy, coupled with targeted recruitment, can also help Celtic align with top European standards. This strategic approach, emphasising both short-term benefits and long-term sustainability, could lead to a significant turnaround in the club’s fortunes.
The role of management and strategy
While player quality is vital, the management and coaching staff also play a crucial role in instigating a successful squad overhaul. The tactical philosophies employed during matches directly affect player performance and overall team cohesiveness.
Managers need to ensure they are adapting their strategies not only to maximise the strength of the current squad but also to accommodate any new arrivals. Investing in coaching that fosters a strong, positive environment will be essential in ensuring that any new players can integrate seamlessly into the team. Additionally, a defined strategy for talent development and retention will be vital in maintaining squad stability over the long run.
Final thoughts
To sum up, the question of whether Celtic’s squad needs a full rebuild to revitalise success is complex. While the current squad has talent, strategic improvements in player recruitment, management, and tactical execution are crucial for future triumphs.
The right blend of youth and experience, alongside a forward-thinking management style, can ultimately set Celtic on the path to reclaiming its status as a dominant force in both Scottish and European football. Only with careful planning and execution can the club hope to restore its proud tradition of success. The Celtic Board must do more to support the manager and help the team. Celtic is cash rich but acts like a club that is struggling to make ends meet, saving money for a rainy days that are of their own making.
The biggest ‘investors’ at Celtic are the supporters yet they have no say in the running of the club and are currently calling for the creation of a Fan Advisory Board, something that is common-place in English football. That has to be a requirement if Celtic is to move forward successfully.
Personally, I’d go for complete rebuild. Now, that can’t be achieved overnight, but let’s go for the partial variety.
Players who deserve a chance include Sinsinalo, Saracchi, Inamura (maybe even in the middle or central defence), Donovan, Murray, Yamada and Osmand, even for enthusiasm alone.
Schmeikel is an excellent keeper, but needs competition, CCV continues to make serious errors, KT is a shadow of his old self, the captain is, I think, the main culprit in slowing the game to a standstill. Hugely talented but hugely wasted. Hatate has been poor, ditto Hatate, we have wingers playing in their ‘weaker’ side, cutting inside, time and time again and cramping up an already congested final third.
Anyway, just my opinion.