Celtic did what was expected of them and got past Partick Thistle in the Scottish League Cup. Their reward for that is a semi-final at Hampden Park against the Rangers, and it is going to be played in early November. That is the type of game that comes with a lot of risk for both teams. On current form, even in this weak state, the Hoops are heavy favourites to go out and win. If they fail to do so, which they have done in a lot of derbies lately, it will feel like the end of the world.
Of course, that game is still quite some time away. Also, it is hard to imagine that a win against Partick Thistle is going to change the minds of the fans, who are still looking for change to be brought about.
There have been some positive signs recently as well. Sebastian Tounekti was once again in superb form and found the back of the net, scoring his first goal for Celtic, after some clever linkup play with Kelechi Iheanacho.
One can only wonder the kind of impact he could have made in those games against Kairat, when the team looked completely out of ideas. Perhaps Celtic would be playing Champions League football right now.
Brendan Rodgers makes bold claim about Celtic board
Rodgers was recently asked about the frustration that the signing of Tounekti was not completed a month ago. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, the manager said:
"We all have seen that, and everybody understands the board, us and everyone. But you can’t look back, we have to look forward and learn from that."
Does the Celtic board understand though? There was very little reason why they would not go out and sign a winger before the Kairat tie.
That is especially true after we have seen the recent financial results. So, we will believe it that they understand when the transfer approach changes in the future, if it does that is.