Former Celtic striker Andy Walker has questioned why the Hoops will have to go through Champions League qualifiers, with the English Premier League set to have five teams automatically qualified for the league phase.
However, Walker believes this isn’t fair, given how many English teams will be in the competition compared to other top European leagues, where four teams automatically qualify.
It means that Brendan Rodgers will be looking to get his summer business done as quickly as possible, with Walker highlighting what Celtic brought to the Champions League this season by reaching the knockout playoffs.
He said: (Go Radio Football Show), “I just wish UEFA could recognise the Scottish champions, get them into the Champions League.
“I mean, I’m a big fan of English football, but come on, that’s five places now. You get four in Germany, four in Spain, four in Italy, and four in France.
“The Scottish champions, I think, add to the occasion of the Champions League. Some of the nights, some of the sights and sounds that you see in Glasgow when Europe’s elite come to our city, it’s fabulous.
“And I just wish there was an avenue where the Scottish champions, whoever they are, could get straight into the Champions League.
“I think the competition would be better for it.”
It’s a spot-on point from Walker—one that many Celtic supporters will share—but sadly, with the rest of Scottish football failing to make their mark in Europe over the last decade, it has led to this situation.
The formation of the English Premier League and the vast finances invested across the border over the last 30 years have meant that Scottish football has fallen behind.
Celtic showed this season in the Champions League, particularly, that they can punch above their weight—causing real headaches for the likes of Bayern Munich and Aston Villa. With both reaching the Champions League quarter-finals, it just shows the level the Hoops are capable of competing against.
