Celtic's European campaign has become a source of deep frustration, with former striker Chris Sutton questioning the club's ambition and its ability to attract top talent in the January transfer window. The Hoops' recent defeat has left them looking like 'also-rans' in Europe, raising serious doubts about the club's direction.
Recruitment Challenges Ahead
Sutton believes Celtic desperately need reinforcements to address glaring squad deficiencies, but poses a critical question: what decent player would want to join a club seemingly content with being European also-rans at best and whipping boys at worst? The boardroom may have celebrated signings like Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh, but those players were likely promised Champions League football, not Europa League struggles.
With Celtic already facing elimination, selling the club to potential signings becomes harder. The same applies to retaining current stars – if a big bid arrives for someone like Duran, why would he stay at a club not going places? Sutton also points out that the goalkeeping situation has backfired, with rotation between Sam Johnstone and Viljami Sinisalo failing to provide stability.
Jekyll and Hyde Performances
Sutton describes Celtic as a 'Jekyll and Hyde' team, dominating domestically but found wanting against any half-decent European opposition. He notes that fans may need to adopt the same split personality, celebrating domestic wins while enduring European embarrassments. The defeat to Celta Vigo, who brought a record number of away fans expecting a win, was entirely predictable.
The former striker highlights that Celtic are 'so easy to play against,' citing statistics showing Celta had 20 attempts on goal, LASK had 40 in a shocking second leg, and even Scottish sides like Hearts, St Mirren, and Dundee United have created chances. While Celtic may get away with these performances domestically due to the lack of quality in Scotland's final third, Sutton warns it is not sustainable.
Pressure Mounting
Sutton acknowledges Martin O'Neill will take responsibility, but argues the manager has been 'sold short' in terms of personnel. He points to the bench as evidence, noting that hope is being placed on a young player returning from long-term injury and making only his second senior start. The club had a year to prepare for Kasper Schmeichel's departure, yet the goalkeeping situation remains unresolved.
With pressure building from fans, Sutton suggests a win at Hibs this weekend could ease tensions, but questions whether the Parkhead hierarchy are comfortable with simply competing domestically and showing face in Europe. He warns that performances will eventually catch up with Celtic in the title race, and attracting top talent in January will be difficult while the club sits below European sides like Lillestrom, OFI Crete, and Jagiellonia in the Europa table.
