Celtic have dominated the Scottish Premiership this season, but have struggled in the Champions League.
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has suggested that if the Hoops played in the Premier League, they would become the biggest club in Britain, the Evening Times reports.
The Bhoys have been dominant in the Scottish Premiership this term and look to have complete control of the title race – they sit eight points clear and have three games in hand over their nearest rivals – but have found life much tougher in Europe.
Celtic directors Ian Bankier (L) and Peter Lawwell (R)
Going into their game with Manchester City this week, Celtic know already that they only have pride to play for as they are guaranteed to finish at the bottom of their Champions League group and have no chance of even progressing to the knockout stages of the Europa League.
Given Celtic’s form domestically, some supporters would surely be forgiven for wondering if they have reached the ceiling for what they can achieve given the riches that other leagues possess.
Celtic huddle up before a game
And Lawwell has arguably hinted that he fears that that may be the case by suggesting that playing in another league would allow the Hoops to move to the next level.
“If we played in a football league like the English Premier League, I think we could be the biggest,” he said, as reported by the Evening Times. “Because there is no barrier then; we have the whole bit so there would be no barrier to where we could go.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
“We have the history, we have the story to tell, we have a global fanbase and we have the facilities. We have got the profile of a big European club but we don’t have domestic TV revenues. Our fundamentals are so strong.”
In fairness to Lawwell, it is surely fair to say that if Celtic had been able to keep hold of the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Victor Wanyama as well as some of the other key players who they have sold in recent years, then they would surely have a squad capable of putting up a much better fight in Europe.
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