Ange Postecoglou admits Celtic were a ‘failure’ in Europe this season and must learn from all mistakes to one day succeed in the Champions League, via quotes by The Scottish Sun.
The Bhoys competed in all three of UEFA’s major club competitions this term after falling into the Europa Conference League. They started with eyes on a place in the Champions League, but lost in the qualifiers. They then exited the Europa League in the group stage.
Midtjylland had the Hoops’ number in their Champions League second round qualifier to win 3-2. Celtic then finished Europa League Group G in the third with three wins from six. Starting with defeats to Real Betis and Bayer Leverkusen put the Bhoys on the back foot.
Postecoglou would have expected Celtic to rally in the Europa Conference League, but it was not to be, either. Bodo/Glimt stunned the Premiership giants by winning both legs of their knockout round play-off, including a 3-1 result at Parkhead. Celtic lost 2-0 in Norway.
Postecoglou brands Euro run ‘failure’ as Celtic boss eyes Champions League spot
Postecoglou admits Celtic’s run in Europe this season was a ‘failure’ but offers his squad plenty of learning opportunities. It has also not dampened his desire to see the Parkhead outfit qualifying and competing in the Champions League as the Hoops belong in Europe.
“It was maybe a bridge too far for us this year to be trying to compete on multiple fronts,” he said. “But the reality of it is that’s a failure on our behalf because this football club will always be involved in Europe, and we want to be involved in the Champions League.
“So, you’ve got to be able to cope with that, withstand that, embrace that pressure. We’ll learn from this year and that part of the journey wasn’t a success for us. I’ve got to make sure we address those things. But I’m sure the players would have learned a hell of a lot.”
Celtic reclaiming the Premiership title this season could see Postecoglou guide the Bhoys into the Champions League proper. Thanks to the Hoops and Rangers’ work in Europe in recent campaigns, Scotland finished 11th-place in the UEFA coefficient standings last term.
That means whoever wins the Premiership this season could automatically qualify for the Champions League group stage. Unless the club that wins the UEFA title this term does not qualify for the 2022/23 edition via their league. A situation facing Benfica and Villarreal.
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