Chris Sutton reckons Celtic have improved in European football this year, especially at the top level and at ‘Fortress Paradise’…
The Bhoys were one of the teams who got the pleasure and privilege of trying out the new format and have enjoyed a lot more success this time around, contrary to the old format of eight groups consisting of four teams in each.
Financial disparity
The UEFA Champions League group stages were a notoriously difficult learning ground for the club over the years and despite some moderate success at times, have largely been there to make up the numbers. Too many times we’ve had to watch the team be hammered by the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid and see the financial disparity in one fatal swoosh.
With the new format in the UEFA Champions League with that league phase, the Hoops have done quite well, all things considered, putting some well-earned respect back on our name. We have remained unbeaten at home and made Celtic Park a difficult venue for opposing teams to play once again, which has been crucial to our success on the continent.
Sutton ‘pleasantly surprised’ by Celtic
Chris Sutton was speaking ahead of the Champions League play-off draw, (where Celtic were paired with Bayern Munich) on BBC Radio 5 live and reckons that Brendan Rodgers team are improving this year. “I have been pleasantly surprised by them in this Champions League campaign,” he said.
“They have shown maturity and that they have made progress. There is no doubt that Celtic will go into a tie with either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich as massive underdogs, but they have earned the right to be in the play-offs.”
Celtic as you will know by now will face German giants Bayern Munich in the play-offs. It’s a tough one for the club to get but the alternative was probably even more daunting. There is a chance, however small, of reaching that hallowed ground of the Last-16. Reinforcements will be required for Rodgers too, if he is to stand any chance of competing Bayern Munich but the first leg being at ‘Fortress Paradise’ (hope you like the photos, folks) certainly helps.
Paul Gillespie
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