It is safe to say that Celtic have taken quite a few steps backwards when it comes to their competitiveness at the European level in recent years. Even earlier in the century, it was not uncommon for the Hoops to pick up wins over clubs like Manchester United, Barcelona and Juventus. But these days, such games often end up as one-sided defeats for the Scottish champions.
Last season was a rare exception as Celtic gave Bayern Munich a run for their money and even got a 1-1 draw away at the Allianz Arena, and were unlucky not to win. But the Hoops did not build upon that.
That is one of the major reasons why Celtic fans are unhappy at the moment. The lack of ambition shown by the club. The lack of urgency to take up a challenge, even when a chance presents itself, like this summer did.
Even superstars down south appear to recognise the size of Celtic, but not those at the club itself. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, Paul Scholes said while speaking on the Good, the Bad & the Football:
"I remember like the Rangers vs Leeds games, Liverpool vs Celtic, United vs Celtic. Celtic beat us a couple of times, I’m pretty sure, up there as well.
“But now the standard just I don’t think we probably realise how big those clubs are when we’re down here. They are massive clubs, aren’t they?"
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Well, Scholes is someone who has seen Celtic get big wins in Europe first-hand. And he knows what Parkhead can be like on those occasions. Unfortunately, it is uncertain how many more of those nights lie ahead in the future.
When was the last time Celtic truly won a big game in Europe? Arguably the one against RB Leipzig last season. But it is hard to categorise the German club as an European giant, even though they have enjoyed their fair share of success in recent years.
Let's just hope that Celtic take some positive steps in the future. They are a massive club for sure, but not doing what massive clubs are supposed to do.