Celtic’s Champions League Exit Sparks Criticism of Board, Manager

Celtic’s disappointing exit from the Champions League has intensified discussions about the future of manager Brendan Rodgers and the club’s board. The Scottish team faced Kairat Almaty in a tense two-legged playoff, ultimately succumbing to a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw over 210 minutes. Kairat Almaty triumphed 3-2 in the shootout, marking a historic moment as they became the first team from Kazakhstan to qualify for Europe’s elite tournament.

As the team begins a lengthy return journey from Kazakhstan to Glasgow, scrutiny surrounding Celtic’s performance has grown. Critics are placing blame on multiple fronts, including the board, the playing squad, and Rodgers himself. The team’s lack of creativity and failure to convert chances were highlighted as significant factors in their elimination.

Expert Opinions on the Disastrous Performance

Former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill expressed his disappointment, stating, “Celtic, it’s their own fault. They are out of a competition they should be in.” He noted that the team failed to apply consistent pressure on the opposition, particularly citing a missed opportunity by Daizen Maeda that could have changed the outcome.

Another former player, John Collins, emphasized the need for better squad depth, saying, “Every Celtic supporter…will be watching this thinking ‘we should have had two forward players in before this tie.’” He criticized the lack of movement and creativity in the final third, suggesting that the recruitment department should have acted more decisively to strengthen the squad ahead of the crucial matches.

Former player Aiden McGeady echoed these sentiments, remarking, “The performances were not good enough. Ultimately it goes back down to forward planning. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” He pointed out that the team’s reliance on basic qualities was inadequate for success at the Champions League level.

Calls for Accountability and Future Actions

Sports pundit Alan Brazil described the two legs as the worst he has seen from Celtic, critiquing their overall performance at both home and away matches. He expressed concern about Maeda’s state of mind, suggesting potential issues within the squad.

Concerns over the club’s transfer strategy were also raised by Gabby Agbonlahor, who highlighted the trend of Celtic as a “selling club.” He noted, “If you are a Celtic fan you are thinking ‘we had a good go last season… why aren’t we investing?’” Agbonlahor’s comments reflect a growing frustration among supporters regarding the club’s failure to adequately replace key players who were sold.

The pressure on both the board and management is expected to increase as they transition into the Europa League. Stiylian Petrov stated, “There will be accusations that the Celtic board gambled on the players that they have got to get them through to the Champions League, and it’s backfired dramatically.” He underscored the need for the club to learn from this experience and ensure that future preparations are sufficient.

As Celtic grapples with the fallout from this elimination, the focus will undoubtedly shift to how the organization addresses its shortcomings before the next competitive fixtures. The club’s commitment to improvement and strategic planning will be crucial in regaining its status as a formidable force in European football.