Chris Sutton’s Optimism for Celtic’s Champions League Campaign
Former Celtic player and current football pundit Chris Sutton is feeling bullish about Celtic’s chances in the Champions League this season. With the potential to reach the crucial eight-point tally that could see them through to a play-off, Sutton believes that the Scottish champions have a real opportunity to make an impact on the European stage.
Analysis of Celtic’s Group Stage Draw
Sutton delved into Celtic’s fixture card for the upcoming Champions League campaign, which includes tough opponents such as Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta, RB Leipzig, Club Brugge, Dinamo Zagreb, Young Boys, and Aston Villa. Despite the challenging lineup, Sutton sees reasons for optimism, particularly in the matches against Bratislava, Brugges, and Young Boys at home.
He highlighted the importance of the opening game against Slovan Bratislava, emphasizing that while it may not be a “gimme,” it presents a significant opportunity for Celtic to start their campaign on a positive note. Sutton acknowledged the pressure on Celtic to secure a victory in this match, as anything less could dampen the team’s spirits and raise doubts about their prospects in the competition.
Expectations and Pressure on Celtic
The expectation for Celtic to perform well in the Champions League is high, especially after their somewhat disappointing group stage performance last season under manager Brendan Rodgers. With only four points and one win to show for their efforts, Celtic failed to progress beyond Christmas, prompting skepticism from BBC pundits and fans alike.
Sutton recognizes the scrutiny that Celtic will face in the upcoming campaign and believes that the team will be under immense pressure to deliver results. He stressed the significance of each match in the group stage, highlighting the need for Celtic to capitalize on favorable fixtures and secure crucial points to advance in the competition.
In conclusion, Chris Sutton’s optimism for Celtic’s Champions League success is grounded in a strategic analysis of the team’s fixture list and the potential for key victories in the group stage. While the road ahead may be challenging, Sutton remains confident in Celtic’s ability to rise to the occasion and make a mark on the European stage. As fans eagerly anticipate the start of the campaign, all eyes will be on Celtic as they aim to navigate their way through a competitive field of opponents.