Glasgow | Analysis of Celtic's Champions League exit

Where do Celtic go from here...

Immediately, they have a Glasgow derby against Rangers. However, there's a lot to be discussion about how they become more consistent in Europe.

Author | Sean M

No goal in 210 minutes of football, three missed penalties in the shootout and a number of clear opportunities squandered across the two legs saw more than £40 million effectively vanish in Kazakhstan.

The reward of the Champions League has been replaced by the Europa League.

This was a defeat for the collective. Responsibility rests with players, manager and board alike. The club had gambled on progress, delaying a proper refresh of the squad until Champions League qualification was secured.

It highlighted a drop in standards both on and off the pitch. Not long ago, Celtic went head to head with Bayern Munich over two legs, facing the likes of Manuel Neuer, Dayot Upamecano, Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, Harry Kane, Kingsley Coman and Thomas Müller.

Despite losing 3-2 on aggregate and coming within seconds of taking the Germans to extra time on their own ground, Celtic had momentum and something to build on. They also had a strong financial position and a fanbase largely aligned with the board, creating a sense of relative harmony and positivity, a rare commodity in Glasgow. Now there is bitterness and rancour. The feel-good factor has been shattered.

The Celtic boss responds to Champions League exit here ⬇️ youtu.be/hJ3VB-S-ym8?...

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Has there been a lack of ambition?

In just two games, the failure to strengthen the squad has come back to haunt the club, hitting it squarely in the face. Responsibility lies with the board of directors, chief among them major shareholder Dermot Desmond.

The Irishman wields considerable influence at the club. Fans might reasonably hope to hear from him from time to time, while chief executive Michael Nicholson could offer some insight into the club’s vision.

READ MORE | Read the European Super Football match report

Such communication would not harm and might help explain how the club has gone from the optimism of Bayern Munich to the humiliation of Kairat Almaty in six months.

The gaps in the squad have been clear for some time. The need for fresh energy was obvious. Yet Celtic entered the Champions League play-off round markedly weaker than last season.

Can you blame the manager?

Rodgers tends to over-praise his team when they dominate domestic sides with a fraction of their budget. There is widespread admiration when they score four or five against weaker opposition.

When they succeed against Rangers and secure another league title to add to their collection, it can feel as if nothing else matters. Progress in Europe is welcomed, but secondary.

Containing the Ibrox club has become the primary focus. It reflects the ambition and the board’s interpretation of what that ambition entails.

Celtic should be far beyond such narrow thinking. The criticism, whether fair or not, is that the club seems content to remain just a few steps ahead of their city rivals.

The view of a Celtic fan who made the long journey

Andrew Cheshire said: "The greatest disappointment for everyone connected to Celtic is that we have been eliminated by a very average team. This is not the standard expected of a Champions League side.

"In the final third, there has been a lack of creativity and little penetration. The reality is that with Kyogo gone, Kuhn departed, and Jota injured, the team has lost pace and sharpness at the top end of the pitch.

"The board will now face criticism as they should have secured reinforcements before this match. They gambled on having enough to progress and bringing in players afterwards, but the strategy has clearly backfired."