Celtic have come a long way under the management of Ange Postecoglou. They lost 3-1 away to RB Leipzig, a team that has players like Christopher Nkunku, Timo Werner, Josko Gvardiol and many other top European talents. The reaction to the result was very telling though.
Celtic fans were not satisfied with the fact that the club had managed to score against the German side, or the fact that they had kept the scoreline competitive. Instead, it was a feeling of disappointment that they could not get at least a draw, from an away trip to Germany in the Champions League!
It is quite clear that Postecoglou is on to something and in a very short span of time, he has raised the standards by quite a few times. This is no longer a side happy to be competing. More is demanded of them.
Anthony Joseph had the perfect assessment of the result but at the same time, the reality of the situation as well, as he tweeted out;
Perspective is needed when assessing Celtic in Europe. Just 8 months ago they were comfortably knocked out of the #UECL. There’s real signs that Ange is onto something special here. The next two home games are so crucial in the #UCL for this year - and this is only phase 2…
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) October 5, 2022
Sky Sports man gives perfect assessment of Celtic’s European run
Despite all the success that Celtic had enjoyed in domestic competitions last season, European football had proven to be a hurdle too big for them.
They had got knocked out early from the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, had also been knocked out of the Europa League in the group stages itself and then could not get past Bodo/Glimt in the UEFA Europa Conference League knockout round play-off.
In contrast, they have gone toe to toe with Real Madrid in the Champions League this season. Had nobody but themselves to blame for not beating Shakhtar Donetsk by a comfortable margin. And although it was not their best display, they were competitive with RB Leipzig away in Germany as well.
This just goes on to show the progress that the club have made since last season itself. And while it might prove a bit too early this time around, it is very possible that they could find themselves in the Champions League knockout rounds in the not too distant future if they continue on this path.