The woeful qualifying record Celtic must rectify

Celtic's disappointing qualification record in recent Champions League qualifying campaigns has become an issue of concern. For the last five straight attempts, the team has failed to advance, suffering seven defeats out of nine opportunities. This streak includes losses to Kairat Almaty, Midtjylland, Ferencvaros, Cluj, AEK Athens, Maribor, and Malmo.

While Celtic managed victories against Hapoel Be'er Sheva in 2016 and Astana in 2017, these wins are outliers. In the club's past nine qualifying campaigns, such a high failure rate is clearly unacceptable, particularly for a team of Celtic's size and resources. The disappointment is compounded by the fact that the club has always aspired to compete in the Champions League.

However, merely wishing for success doesn't guarantee it. Celtic must demonstrate the ambition needed to reach that level. This includes signing top-tier talent, paying premium fees for transfers and wages, and fully supporting the manager. Despite some recent improvements, Celtic still has work to do. The club has bolstered its attacking lineup through significant investments in Kasper Hogh, Camilo Duran, and Mika Baur.

However, Arne Engels' departure has left a noticeable void in midfield. Additionally, the team requires more depth in defense and goalkeeping. While Celtic may lack some defensive stability this season, the recent squad additions suggest they are prioritizing attacking strength, which should give them an edge in their upcoming qualifier against LASK.

If Celtic can control this tie, their confidence will be high. The team should believe they possess the necessary attacking quality to succeed in high-stakes matches. Tino covers this story for The Celtic Exchange.