Only one thought got here to thoughts when watching Rangers’ defeat at Union SG tonight in UEFA Champions League qualifying: thank goodness Celtic should not concerned on this course of.
In the event you’re unaware, final 12 months’s Scottish Premiership runner-up misplaced 2-0 away within the third qualifying spherical and has an uphill battle to overturn the deficit at Ibrox subsequent week.
Now, it is not an not possible job. We all know Rangers will be formidable at dwelling in Europe. They may nonetheless go. Nevertheless, that is not fairly the purpose for us.
The purpose is, not coping with this stress at the beginning of the season is big for everybody concerned in Celtic: the gamers, the coaches, the cash and the followers.
Sitting on the sidelines watching the groups undergo this is not one thing we’re used to.
Even through the years we received one title after one other, we all the time needed to qualify. Robotically qualifying for the large European event is one thing we have not favored since 2008.
Ange Postecoglou and his group of Celtic gamers are presently profiting from a free midweek week, with nothing to fret about aside from a visit to Ross County this Saturday.
There aren’t any first journeys overseas, no strain to attempt to safe the riches of the Champions League and no setbacks in opposition to the momentum of a brand new season.
Final 12 months, matches in opposition to Midtjylland, Jablonec and AZ Alkmaar deeply difficult our preliminary Scottish Premiership kind and we in the end misplaced three of our first six league video games.
Instantly Rangers should reply critical questions and put together for a combat to die in Ibrox subsequent week, together with the problem of getting ready for Kilmarnock this weekend. That is the sort of dreaded situation Celtic averted.
Profitable the championship final season was so essential in so some ways and tonight is an ideal instance of one of many greatest advantages past celebration and joyful moments.
Celtic are in an extremely snug scenario for the time being, and it is one thing we have to reap the benefits of with extra optimistic ends in the approaching weeks earlier than our European mission begins in September.
In different information, seasoned supervisor eases Celtic Champions League concern; what Ange needs “in spite of everything”.
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