Celtic now know they have just one game left in European competition this season. The 2-0 loss in Rome to Lazio confirmed the inevitable. There is just a final Champions League match to play. The result won't matter either. The Hoops will finish bottom of the group even if they win against Feyenoord at home.
After the match, Brendan Rodgers highlighted the need to bring more quality players to the squad. That does seem a key answer if the Hoops are to improve in future European campaigns.
The summer signings haven’t provided the sort of uplift that was required. Combined with the departure of Jota and the injury to Reo Hatate, and the team seems weaker than last season when they did not win a Champions League game.
The view on the squad was not helped by some players being far from their best against Lazio in Rome, or perhaps past their prime in one case. The Italian media's review of the game might not go down well with many Celtic fans though.
Italian media label Celtic player a 'magician' for disappearing vs Lazio
As reported by Sport Witness, Gazzetta dello Sport was critical of a few Celtic players. James Forrest received a 4.5/10 rating and was labelled a ‘magician’ because he was able to ‘make himself disappear’ against Lazio.
There was also talk about Scales’ limitations as a defender as he struggled to deal with the predictable Lazio forwards. The Republic of Ireland international has been fantastic this season though, so one disappointing performance can be overlooked.
It is going to be critical for Rodgers to make sure that the club delivers that need for quality players to strengthen the squad in upcoming transfer windows. At the same time, they also need to part ways with players who no longer are bringing much to the table.