‘Has to be step-by-step’ – Rodgers realistic over chances of Celtic improvement in Europe

Wed 30 May 2018 11:45, UK

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has admitted that it may not be possible for the Hoops to achieve his aims for next season – to be more competitive in Europe.

The Hoops manager, who took his team to the last 32 of the Europe League last season, thinks that the money and resources of the teams the Hoops play in Europe prevents the Bhoys from making real progress in Europe.

“A lot of great work has been done here but there’s still a long way to go to be anywhere near competitive at that level – and that’s the real world of football,” he told the Celtic View, as quoted by the Daily Record.

“That isn‘t to quash any hope but I am here to try to fight and keep the club moving. But it has to be step-by-step.

“There are a lot of things that we need to develop and improve and unfortunately that won’t happen overnight as Celtic don’t have those resources.”

The Hoops have reached the group stages of the Champions League in both of Rodgers’ seasons with the club but the team have struggled to make an impact in the competition.

Football Insider verdict

There is nothing like a dose of reality for football fans, and Rodgers is certainly providing that here. The Hoops boss is all but admitting that should the Bhoys reach the Champions League group stages once again, expect more heavy defeats to follow. In the ‘step by step’ process he underlines, achieving a Champions League group stage win at home would be a good start, as the Hoops have won none of their six group stage home ties since the Hoops boss took charge at the club. That is providing that the Bhoys qualify for the group stages of course, as the process in now more difficult than ever, as four qualifying rounds need to be overcome. In a way getting to the group stages for the third time would be a huge achievement, but fans will want improved performances should the Hoops reach the group stages. It is a dilemma for the Hoops boss which he has to negotiate this summer.