Legendary Celtic captain Scott Brown believes that his former club is on a different level in the Scottish Premiership and is now challenging them to make their mark on the European stage. As Celtic kick off their latest Champions League campaign against Slovan Bratislava, Brown is confident in the squad’s ability to excel against continental opposition.
A Class Above in the Scottish Premiership
Scott Brown, who currently manages Ayr United in the Scottish Championship, has been impressed by the squad built by manager Brendan Rodgers. He sees no reason why Celtic cannot replicate their unbeaten domestic form when facing European teams in the upcoming matches.
Brown praised the team’s performance, stating, “They’ve been excellent. Not conceded a goal in the league, dominating games. Brendan has always wanted to play possession-based football, and he’s got a drive to make sure that every single player gets better.”
He highlighted the team’s work ethic and discipline, noting that Celtic looks superior to all other teams in the league. Whether facing rivals like Rangers or Hearts, Celtic has been dominating games, showcasing their strength and skill on the pitch.
Preparing for Champions League Success
With a strong start in the Champions League being crucial, Brown emphasized the importance of home games for Celtic. The upcoming match against Slovan Bratislava presents an ideal opportunity for Celtic to secure three points and establish a solid position in the competition.
Brown believes that the depth of the squad will be advantageous, allowing Rodgers to rotate players effectively between Champions League and domestic matches. He emphasized the team’s commitment to playing Rodgers’ style of football, pressing opponents and causing them problems on the field.
Looking ahead to challenging fixtures against top European teams like Dortmund, Atalanta, and Aston Villa, Brown expressed confidence in Celtic’s ability to compete at a high level in the Champions League.
Impact of New Signings
During a discussion on The Scottish Football Social Club, panelist Michael Stewart praised the contributions of summer signings Arne Engels and Luke McCowan, who both scored goals for Celtic against Heart of Midlothian. Stewart described their goals as significant moments for the players, highlighting their potential to become key contributors to the team.
Stewart singled out McCowan as a promising talent, suggesting that he could compete for a starting position in important matches due to his quality and versatility. He also commended Engels for his strong performances, emphasizing the positive impact of both players on the squad.
However, Stewart expressed some reservations about Celtic’s depth in wider positions, noting the importance of having a player with the ability to create game-changing moments in Champions League matches. He highlighted James Forrest as a key player in this regard and speculated on his potential role in the upcoming game against Slovan Bratislava.
Looking Ahead to European Success
As Celtic prepares for their Champions League campaign, the team faces the challenge of translating their dominance in the Scottish Premiership to success on the European stage. With a talented squad, a strategic manager, and a commitment to playing attacking football, Celtic has the potential to make a significant impact in the competition.
Brown’s insights into the team’s strengths and areas for improvement provide valuable perspective on Celtic’s prospects in the Champions League. As the team navigates through challenging fixtures and tough opponents, their performance in the competition will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
With a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, Celtic is poised to showcase their skills and compete at a high level in the Champions League. Brown’s confidence in the team’s ability to excel in Europe reflects a shared belief among supporters that Celtic can make their mark on the continental stage.