Celtic's repeated failures in European qualification have drawn criticism, with the club's recent attempts to compete in the Champions League being described as an insult to the legacy of the Lisbon Lions. This sentiment follows a string of eliminations against teams with smaller budgets, including AEK Athens, Cluj, Ferencvaros, Midtjylland, and Kairat Almaty in recent qualifying rounds.
The club's hierarchy has been accused of consistently failing to adequately prepare for these crucial matches. Despite assurances from interim chairman Brian Wilson in the spring that lessons had been learned from previous seasons, the approach to player transfers has been characterized as slow and reactive.
Transfer Window Concerns
While Celtic did make several signings, including Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh, the pace of these acquisitions and the simultaneous sales of key players like Daizen Maeda, Maik Nawrocki, and Luis Palma have raised concerns. The late arrivals of new signings Haissem Hassan and Mika Baur meant they were not fully prepared for the crucial playoff tie against LASK. The club's protracted pursuit of other targets further exemplifies this perceived lack of urgency.
The sale of Arne Engels to Nottingham Forest in January, without a clear replacement lined up, has been highlighted as a prime example of the club's directorial shortcomings. Manager Martin O'Neill acknowledged the fans' dismay at this decision, which left the team exposed.
Historic Defeat Against LASK
Celtic's recent capitulation against LASK has been labeled one of the worst results in the club's European history. Holding a significant aggregate lead early in the second leg, the team collapsed, conceding five goals without reply in the second half. The performance was characterized by physical and mental weakness, with LASK dominating statistically, managing 40 shots on goal.
The absence of a strong defensive midfielder, such as the departed Engels, was noted as a contributing factor to LASK's dominance. Injuries to several key players further disrupted the team, with replacements unable to stem the tide. Captain Callum McGregor's assessment that his teammates were 'scared' underscored the extent of the performance issues.
This latest European exit not only represents a significant financial loss in terms of prize money but also diminishes the club's appeal to prospective signings. The fallout from this humiliation is expected to linger, impacting the team's atmosphere and reputation ahead of upcoming domestic fixtures.