Chris Sutton comments on Celtic’s record so far this season.
Chris Sutton – Glasgow Celtic
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has defended Celtic’s early progress this season, despite the way they were thrashed by Barcelona in midweek.
Celtic lost 7-0 to Barcelona at the Nou Camp on Tuesday night, and while that was a painful watch for supporters, Sutton insists it is progress simply that the match was played between the two teams.
New Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is presented to the fans
In previous seasons under former boss Ronny Deila, Celtic failed to qualify for the Champions League, falling at the qualifying stages.
With Brendan Rodgers in his first season, Sutton believes Rodgers should be cut some slack.
After a fan hit back by claiming Celtic had only beaten two poor sides in the qualifying stages, getting past FC Astana and Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Sutton defended the quality of both teams.
He joked that the credentials of Rangers, who they beat 5-1 last weekend, would also be coming under scrutiny.
Rodgers has made impressive signings over the summer, particularly Moussa Dembele and Kolo Toure, and both of those have played their part this season so far.
It is the squad strengthening Rodgers has done, as well as improving players already at the club, which helped Celtic get to the group stages.
There is little point over reacting to a heavy loss away to Barcelona, but a marked improvement will be expected in their next Champions League game at home to Manchester City.
Barcelona’s Neymar in action with Celtic’s Mikael Lustig
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