Despite their early exit from Europe this season, Celtic still deserve to be in the Champions League now and for many years to come.
Under Brendan Rodgers, Celtic have had a strong start to the season domestically but have faltered slightly when it comes to Europe. Many opposition fans are laughing at their expense following their early exit from the Champions League group stages, but people need to realise just how tough their group really was.
Whilst they were embarrassed by Barcelona at the Nou Camp, the return game at Celtic Park was a much closer affair. Then you have two draws against Premier League giants Manchester City in addition to a big point away at Monchengladbach to laud over.
Celtic fans as New Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is presented after the press conference
It was by no means a campaign worthy of reaching the knockout stages, but as they have proven time and time again over the years Celtic can still pop up with some memorable European moments when we all least expect it.
Their qualification to the knockout stages comes once in a blue moon, but for all their failures there is still a deep rooted feeling of pride when it comes to their performances in Europe’s biggest club competition.
New Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers poses after the press conference
You never quite know what you’re going to get with the Bhoys, and that brings an FA Cup-esque feeling to the tournament that you just do not get with any other side.
And for that reason it is fair comment to say the Champions League, and the Europa League for that matter, are poorer off in Celtic’s absence.
General view of Celtic Park
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