So now we know. The draw has been made for the next round of the Champions League and if we make it past Rosenborg we’re off to Athens. This is a tough draw. This is not the one we’d have wanted. But it’s the one we’ve got and we better make the best of it.
The board now has a fortnight to get its act together in case we make it.
If we don’t they are already too late, and the Celtic fans should keep in mind the people who allowed it to happen.
Our European football future will be decided in Athens. If we get through that then Group Stage football in one of the two competitions is guaranteed no matter what happens in the final qualifier. That’s the new reward of being a Champions League team – there’s always a second chance. Had we been knocked out in the last round we’d still have had a shot at European football … if we got out here we’re facing a game against Cork City.
AEK Athens are a good side. They are a very good side.
This is a stiff test, but they are a team at the level where I expect us to be punching our weight which means that I expect us to beat them. But we need to keep it tight. We need to go into those games – if we get there – with a stronger squad than we have right now. I am tired saying that.
The Greek champions start in the Third Round, unlike us.
We have to make the dreadful climb through two prior rounds first, but that, oddly enough, might well be the one advantage that we have to press. Not only does their league season not start for another few weeks, but they are under a new manager in this campaign after their title winning boss left for Spain.
They are vulnerable at just the right time.
But they are strong, and that’s a fact. We’re going to need to be on our toes to beat them, because they had a cracking run in Europe last year including being unbeaten against Milan home and away. They are a tough nut. They are the last sort of team we wanted at this stage in the competition.
Rosenborg will be difficult.
AEK are another story.
It’s time for our board to deliver.
No excuses will suffice.