Are Celtic and Rangers Prepared for Europa League?
Introduction
As Celtic and Rangers gear up for their Europa League campaigns, both clubs find themselves in a state of uncertainty. The drama unfolding in the domestic scene adds further complexity as fans voice their frustrations against club management.
A Year Ago: Celtic’s High Hopes
Twelve months back, Brendan Rodgers was optimistic ahead of Celtic’s Champions League opening match against Slovan Bratislava. He expressed confidence, stating this was his best preparation as a manager. The season that followed saw Celtic perform well initially, achieving a notable victory over Slovan but ultimately faltering in the quarter-finals against Bayern Munich. However, this year’s troubles were amplified by a shocking elimination in Almaty, leaving Celtic to take on Europa League challenges instead.
The State of Celtic
While Celtic once appeared poised for European success, the tide has turned dramatically. Although they currently sit at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, criticism has been mounting. Their supporters have rallied against club executives, chanting phrases like “sack the board” leading up to their match against Red Star Belgrade.
The Current Situation at Rangers
For Rangers, past success in the Europa League does not offer comfort this season. After finishing last season on a high in the knockout stages, their disappointing start in the current campaign leaves them without a league win and a place near the bottom of the standings. Protesters have targeted head coach Russell Martin, emphasizing the club’s struggles as they prepare to host Genk before moving on to European play.
Fan Discontent
Both clubs face fan unrest. Rangers supporters express dissatisfaction with their team’s performance, leading to calls for sweeping changes. Meanwhile, Celtic’s faithful remain disappointed following recent setbacks, further complicating the atmosphere leading into their European matches.
Celtic: Fighting Perceptions of a Crisis
Despite Rodgers trying to maintain a positive outlook, the club has faced numerous challenges. The manager, who previously insisted on the team’s readiness, now grapples with dissenting voices amidst fan protests. He remains hopeful, stating that he sees growth in the team’s performance despite the turmoil.
Looking Ahead
Celtic aims to rebuild their rhythm, and a recent solid performance against Partick Thistle has given them a glimmer of hope. The task now is to translate this progress into successful outings in Europe.
Rangers: The Need for a Turnaround
While Celtic seeks to stabilize, Rangers are in desperate need of a momentum shift. The team’s recent victory brought a sigh of relief, but serious concerns linger about their long-term form. Players must rally and recover quickly if they are to appease discontented fans.
The Challenge Ahead
Former goalkeeper Cammy Bell emphasizes that Martin must lead the team on an impressive run of games to restore confidence. With their current lackluster standing in the league, every upcoming match carries added weight.
Conclusion
As Europa League matches approach, both Celtic and Rangers are now at crucial junctures. The question remains—can either team overcome their recent struggles and assert themselves on the European stage? With both clubs rallying to address pressing issues, fans will watch closely as the next chapter in this intense rivalry unfolds.
