Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers had a key meeting with his players yesterday ahead of the return to competitive action.
The Hoops kick off their Scottish Premiership season later this afternoon as Kilmarnock come to Parkhead. The league flag will be unfurled as the Bhoys aim to get off to a flyer.
Maintaining domestic dominance is of optimum importance for Rodgers and Co. this year, as is finally making a mark in Europe.
Indeed, the manager sat down with his players on Saturday to go through their key aims for the new season.
The Irishman was asked about targets in Friday’s press conference. “That’s something that we’ll speak about before, that’s part of my presentation tomorrow”, he said (Celtic FC on YouTube).
“At Celtic, a lot of these are self-explanatory, really. You’ve got three trophies domestically, and four big challenges. To win them is the target, and the Champions League one is to qualify for the play-offs at the end of January.
“There will be other little targets that I’ll speak with players individually on in terms of their own personal targets and how they can improve.”
Having won a domestic double upon his return to Scottish football, Rodgers has now made it clear that he wants a treble this time around.
The league is what matters most, but reinstating Celtic’s status as Scottish football’s dominant force is key for the manager, as is competing in the continental scene.
For far too long, the Celts have underperformed on the European stage, but the new Champions League format could change things; right-back Alistair Johnston thinks it is an ‘unbelievable opportunity’ for him and his teammates.
The draw for the league phase takes place at the end of the month but now, the Celts’ full focus is on Flag Day and starting the league season in style.
