Celtic’s recent pre-season wins over Sporting Lisbon and Newcastle United looked impressive on the surface. They showed flashes of sharp attacking play and moments of real quality. But not everyone is convinced these results reflect where the team really stands.
Brendan Rodgers’ side did well in both games, with a few standout performers catching the eye. The displays gave supporters something to cheer about, but with the competitive season fast approaching, the bigger picture still raises concern.
Benjamin Nygren’s strong showing was a positive, adding a bit of excitement ahead of the new campaign. Still, most of the players who impressed were already known quantities, like Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda.
While the score lines were positive, former Celtic striker Chris Sutton believes they shouldn’t hide the fact that the squad still needs work. With the Champions League qualifiers just around the corner, time is running out to get it right.
He said: (RecordSport), “It might have looked like a morale-boosting pre-season victory for Celtic (against Sporting).
“But seeing off Sporting Lisbon the other night might have actually been the worst possible result for Brendan Rodgers. His side performed pretty well, but it didn’t tell us anything we didn’t really know.
“The performance of Benjamin Nygren was perhaps the one revelation, but we know Callum McGregor is a player, we are well aware of what Reo Hatate can do and how dangerous Daizan Maeda can be, or that Adam Idah needs to be a bit sharper in front of goal at times.
“But results like that one shouldn’t kid anyone on. Celtic are still way short of where they need to be in terms of the squad.
“And we can’t keep saying the same thing every week with the new season and the Champions League qualifier inching ever closer.”
Chris Sutton’s point is a clear one: pre-season results don’t mean much when the real stuff starts. Wins against Sporting Lisbon and Newcastle United were good on paper, but they don’t hide the fact that Celtic still need to add quality to the squad.
Brendan Rodgers knows exactly what players like McGregor, Hatate and Maeda bring to the table. The real concern is the lack of depth behind them. Who can step in if key players are missing? That’s where the team still looks light and why signings are badly needed.
These wins might lift spirits, but Sutton’s warning is simple. Don’t be fooled by the scorelines. It’s easy to think everything’s fine when a couple of big names are beaten in friendlies, but the Champions League will be a much tougher test.
Celtic still have a bit of time to get things right, but it’s running out fast. The team have shown some good signs in pre-season, but that doesn’t cover up the clear gaps that still need filled.
