Rodgers says the words Scottish rivals are dreading, reveals Celtic ambitions for 2018
By Harry Sykes
Celtic enjoyed a fantastic season under Brendan Rodgers last season but he has warned his rivals that his team “are better this year”.
He also said that Celtic’s true ambitions lie elsewhere as he pinpointed progression in the Champions League as the real target next season.
Celtic won the league at a canter and finished 39 points ahead of their bitter rivals Rangers, who had to settle for third place behind Aberdeen.
They didn’t lose a domestic game all season, securing both cups as well. The only blip on their season was that they didn’t manage to get out of the Champions League group stage.
They didn’t win a game in their group but did manage three draws in an extremely tough group that boasted Manchester City, Barcelona and Borussia Monchengladbach.
With the news season set to kick off during the first weekend in August, Rodgers has delivered a warning to any of their rivals that thought they might not be able to deliver the goods again.
Talking in a TalkSPORT interview, Rodgers said, “I believe we are better this year.
“I look back and I think of the year we had and we grew and became better and better as the season went on and now, as we approach our first qualification game in the Champions League, where we are at today in relation to where we were at last year, is a big difference.
“Also, the confidence the players have and we have brought in a few signings so far that really fit the profile of how we work. I expect them to do very well and add to the already good squad that we have.
“Obviously we have to qualify for the Champions League and then the progression for us this season will be to be in European football into 2018. That will be the aim for this season.”
Celtic prepare for their first Champions League qualifier tomorrow, away to Linfield, with the return leg at home on July 19.
In other Celtic news, their fans have reacted as the club’s third summer signing is confirmed.
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