As the dust settles after Sunday’s away win for Celtic at Ibrox over the Rangers, there’s now a great set of opportunities ahead for the squad. One of those is to successfully navigate their way through the Champions League group stages. And Neil Lennon reckons that the team can do well in Europe.
The immediate opportunity after retaining their top spot in the league and widening the gap over the Rangers to four points is to make the most of the international break. Some of the squad will be away with their national teams, others have a chance to continue their recovery from injury. It’s also a useful time to help settle in the recent additions and get to grips with Brendan Rodgers’ system.
The next domestic match is at home against Dundee FC on September 16. Then there is the opening Champions League tie away to Feyenoord three days later on September 19.
The immediate focus for Rodgers and the players will have to be the Premiership match. But the European nights are starting to draw the attention of fans and football pundits. The draw is seen by many as a good one. There are no easy games or groups in the Champions League, but there are far tougher ones for sure. Facing up to Feyenoord, Atletico Madrid and Lazio is a challenge, but one with hope and aspirations.
Lennon makes superb Champions League claim about Celtic
Neil Lennon has high hopes for Celtic. As reported by TBR Football, he said on PLZ Soccer:
"“Celtic are way ahead of the rest at the minute without being brilliant themselves. I do think they are a far more confident Celtic team.“And I do like the group in the Champions League. I think it’s feasible that they can get European football beyond Christmas.“Possibly, why not second? You know if you can win your home games. I think Atletico will probably run away with the group but then you’ve got to fight for second or third and they’ve got a chance.”"
That would be some achievement. Lennon of course was the last manager to take a Celtic side to that stage back in 2013. His side lost the two-legged tie against Juventus.
If Rodgers can get the team performing again and use smart tactics home and away then certainly getting some points on the table is very feasible. Success would certainly be avoiding last place and dropping out of European football entirely for the rest of the season.