The Celtic players have done their talking for Brendan Rodgers on the field of play.
This isn’t domestically because Rodgers has proven himself time and time again there, including Celtic pushing for another Treble.
But, before a ball was kicked this campaign, there was a lot of pressure on Rodgers to produce on Europe’s biggest stage because the Champions League was revamped.
With that added pressure, the players produced on the pitch, including some outstanding performances, mainly the win over RB Leipzig and the brave fight in Munich.
That was enough for the Celtic Park faithful to see that the man in the dugout needs backing in the summer transfer market.
And that was brought up by Kris Boyd when discussing Celtic in the Champions League with Chris Sutton.
Chris Sutton discusses Celtic’s importance of the summer transfer window
This just isn’t about bringing in fresh players, but also the timing of it because qualifiers are needed to book that Champions League ticket for next season.
Kris Boyd asked Chris Sutton about how ‘important’ it is that the club gets the job done ‘early’ and he highlighted the ‘criticism’ that has previously come Celtic’s way in recent times.
Sutton added that Celtic’s performances in the Champions League prove that ‘real strength’ is needed behind the actual XI, as he told Sky Sports Football (23/02/25 at 11:05 am).
“How important is it for Celtic that they get the business done (early), we are all expecting them to win the league,” said Boyd.
“We have seen it before with Celtic leaving until the last minute and getting players in. They have got the qualifying campaign. How important is it that they get the business done early?”
Sutton responded: “I think it’s an interesting question. I think if there is a criticism of Celtic, it’s maybe that the changes Brendan Rodgers had to make or couldn’t make off the bench, that was maybe a bit of an issue and something Celtic will look at going forward.
“That real strength in depth to be able to compete at the level. Strengthening in the summer. We mentioned the Kyogo sale. Never really replacing him. That’s an issue I am sure they will bring a centre-forward in.
“But, certainly, getting a stronger squad to make that they can compete on all fronts is a must.
Celtic have shown that they ‘can compete’ in the Champions League
Now it’s about consistency for Celtic. It’s all good showing the progress this season, but it will mean nothing if the team falls flat on its face in the next campaign.
Either way, that performance in Munich has to be a benchmark of what should be delivered most of the time in Europe away from home.
As Sutton rightfully pointed out, that was ‘one of the best’ displays you will see from a Celtic team because they have shown ‘they can compete at that level’.
“I think the performance in Munich was one of the best I had seen by Celtic in many a year and against an elite team like Bayern,” said Sutton.
“Now it’s about progression, isn’t it? And consistency in the Champions League, season in and season out. They have to go through a qualifier next season, which is never easy and ideal.
“But now the players have got a taste of it and shown they can compete at that level, it’s about kicking on.
