Football fairytales seem increasingly rare, however, Nottingham Forest is scripting an unlikely story. Having spent decades in lower leagues, they returned to the Premier League just last season. Today, they’re remarkably placed third, mixing confidently with giants like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal…
After becoming the first and still the only team this season so far to beat Liverpool in the Premier League, and recently overcoming Pep Guardiola’s mighty Manchester City, Celtic fans are starting to ask, if Nottingham Forest can punch so far above their supposed weight, why can’t Celtic do the same on the European stage, given domestic dominance for Celtic in the 21st century is a fact of life in Scottish football.
Shared Histories, Different Paths
The parallels between Nottingham Forest and Celtic run deeper than many realise. Both clubs proudly boast European histories that are the envy of many. Forest famously captured the European Cup twice in succession under Brian Clough in 1979 and 1980.
Celtic, under legendary manager Jock Stein, had achieved European glory even earlier, becoming the first team from Northern Europe ever to lift the European Cup in 1967. However, despite continued domestic dominance in Scotland, Celtic’s European form in recent decades has been far less impressive, prompting legitimate questions about the club’s ambition.
Brendan Rodgers returned to Celtic in the summer of 2023 with the goal to re-establish Celtic as a credible force in the Champions League. That work has begun and there has been significant progress this season under the new format for the Champions League. Next season will be the time when we really get some answers on where Celtic are at.
European Dreams vs. Reality
While Celtic continue to rack up trophies domestically, their European campaigns consistently fall short. Celtic supporters have grown accustomed to early exits and underwhelming performances, a stark contrast to their rich historical legacy.
Their most recent Champions League effort ended with Bayern Munich eliminating them over two legs. Celtic’s European odds were dismally low against Bayern Munich – the Germans were 5/14 favourites at most UK betting sites not on GamStop reviewed by experts. Celtic fans could only capitalise on their team when betting against them, or by choosing prop markets instead. As Bayern proved, the odds were right as the German side condemned Celtic to yet another early phase exit in Europe.
These odds underline the stark reality facing Celtic: the club that once dominated Europe has become content with mere participation rather than genuine contention. In contrast, Nottingham Forest’s promotion to the Premier League took one season before they found themselves now riding as high as third in the Premier League and looking set to book that spot now. Their success proves just how much having a great legacy and European pedigree should matter—if only Celtic could rediscover theirs!
Rediscovering Ambition
Celtic undoubtedly possesses the foundations necessary for European success—a passionate global fanbase, a celebrated stadium atmosphere, and proven domestic dominance. Yet, reclaiming their status on the European stage requires more than tradition alone. It demands renewed ambition, self-belief, and the bravery to pursue excellence consistently. Celtic need to establish bold goals and chase them with determination, rather than accepting mediocrity or early exits as inevitable outcomes.
The Bhoys should observe closely the resilience, tactical innovation, and fearless mentality shown by clubs performing above expectations. Success at the highest level in football is often a result of defying expectations and continuously challenging complacency. Celtic must rediscover this ethos to regularly compete deep into European tournaments, fully believing in their rightful place among Europe’s elite.
Raising the Bar
It is imperative now for Celtic’s board, coaching staff, and players to collectively set higher standards. The club’s European ambitions should align seamlessly with their domestic dominance. Runs in the Champions League or Europa League should no longer be exceptional events but regular occurrences. Celtic supporters have every right to expect more from a club steeped in such tradition and history.
Rekindling the Fear Factor
There was a time when Celtic Park was feared across Europe. Opponents approached matches in Glasgow with trepidation, aware of Celtic’s formidable squad and unyielding belief in victory. Today, that sense of intimidation has largely vanished. Celtic often seem satisfied merely to make the group stages of European competitions rather than mounting serious challenges. Attitude and mindset are crucial, and Celtic must urgently reignite their ambition to reclaim their stature.
The Need to Dream Bigger
Ultimately, Nottingham Forest’s impressive ascent from obscurity to the top of English football isn’t merely a heartwarming story; it’s a valuable lesson in ambition and self-belief. Celtic, with their storied past, immense fanbase, and vast resources, have all they need to forge a similar path. What’s currently missing is the audacity to dream bigger and the determination to relentlessly pursue those dreams. If Nottingham Forest can defy the odds and achieve remarkable success, Celtic have every reason, and indeed, a responsibility to strive for the same.
Learning from Forest’s Inspiration
Nottingham Forest’s astonishing rise this season serves as clear proof that ambitious thinking, combined with self-belief, can dramatically alter a club’s fortunes. Celtic fans may understandably envy Forest’s journey, yet envy alone achieves nothing. Instead, the Bhoys should harness Forest’s success as motivation, igniting their own European ambitions and aspirations for European prominence once again.
If Forest can do it why can’t Celtic?
Perhaps Celtic and Nottingham Forest will also meet in the Champions League next season? Thanks to Brian Clough Forest have been European Champions twice. If Forest can do it why can’t Celtic? We can but dream…
One word stops this all of this fanciful thinkin: MONEY
Or, lack thereof