Following final evening’s dramatic penalty shootout between Slovan Bratislava and Kairat Almaty, Celtic now face what can solely be described as a nightmare journey to Kazakhstan as we intention to safe Champions League soccer for a fourth consecutive season.
Traditionally, that is removed from a consolation zone for us.
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Regardless of current successes towards groups from this area, Celtic have by no means received on Kazakh soil. Our file reads like a cautionary story: a loss to Shakhter Karagandy in 2013, a draw with Astana in 2016, and defeat to the identical membership in 2017. So sure, the warning indicators are there.
Nonetheless, regardless of the logistical hurdles of touring to Kazakhstan – lengthy flights, time zone modifications and unfamiliar situations – that is very a lot a tie Celtic must be successful.
Champions League qualification is not only in regards to the status, it is a monetary gamechanger for a membership like Celtic – a £40m jackpot that might bolster funds and squad depth alike.
The true query is whether or not our present set-up is able to seizing this chance.
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Issues linger. The shortage of key signings suggests we could also be heading east with a squad not totally outfitted for the problem.
Uefa’s deadline to register new gamers is midnight on Thursday (two further gamers might be added as much as 24 hours earlier than the primary leg) but, based mostly on current switch exercise – or extra precisely, inactivity – it is laborious to think about any new faces being added in time.
This method raises eyebrows. The membership seems to be taking a big gamble: chasing Champions League income with out adequately investing within the squad that might safe it.
In essence, Celtic are ready to qualify for Europe’s elite competitors earlier than strengthening the crew, fairly than constructing a squad that might make qualification extra probably.
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It is a traditional chicken-and-egg situation – and one which feels unnecessarily dangerous, particularly given the huge money reserves the membership presently holds.
Nonetheless, soccer isn’t predictable. A spirited efficiency in Kazakhstan might (and may) present the platform to take our place at Europe’s prime desk as soon as once more.
However as historical past – and logistics – warn us, that is removed from a assured triumph.
The followers, gamers, and membership itself now face a high-stakes check – one which calls for focus, dedication and maybe somewhat luck alongside the way in which.
[BBC]