Celtic Opens Season Amid Champions League Challenges

Celtic experienced a memorable season under Brendan Rodgers, narrowly missing out on a treble but securing the league title and a League Cup final win over Rangers, highlighted by historic moments such as James Forrest's record of scoring in every season since 2010. Rodgers has begun talks about his future with the club, emphasizing the need for progress before committing to a new contract. Fans express mixed feelings about the team's readiness for the new season, pointing to gaps in squad depth and uncertainty about Rodgers' backing, with concerns over potential challenges in Champions League qualification and domestic fixtures, including the Old Firm derby. Meanwhile, Rangers are cautiously optimistic about their Champions League prospects, having advanced closer to the group stage and debating the balance between developing their own players and signing young Premier League talents on loan. Reflecting on Celtic's past, the 2000/01 season under Martin O'Neill is recalled as a turning point that initiated a new era of success, contrasting with the current cautious outlook on the club's ambitions and transfer activity. The overall sentiment among supporters is a desire for reinforcements and stability to maintain Celtic's competitive edge both domestically and in Europe.