Celtic has dominated Scottish football for the past decade, winning the Premiership title in 9 out of 10 seasons. The team from Celtic Park is also the country’s most successful side in the Scottish Cup, after winning the competition on 40 occasions. The upcoming Scottish Cup final against Inverness Caledonian Thistle is the perfect opportunity to add another trophy to the collection.
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In the meantime, we will discuss what Celtic needs to improve to retain the championship’s sceptres.
A Dominant Year That Let the Opponents Down
Celtic was dominant this season, claiming the title with 10 games to spare, and that is the earliest the team has won the Championships since 1989. There are several reasons why Celtic dominated Scottish football this season, including the squad depth, an excellent home form and the ability to score goals constantly.
Celtic’s arch-rivals, the Glasgow Rangers, also struggled this season and have been inconsistent throughout the campaign. This resulted in a significant standings gap, further reflecting Celtic’s dominance. At the moment, the team is showing no signs of slowing down.
Two Glasgow teams met in the Scottish Cup semi at Hampden, with Celtic winning the game 1-0.
Celtic and Rangers also met in the Scottish League Cup final in February, and the match at Hampden Park assured the former’s superiority.
Thanks to goals from Kyogo Furuhashi, Celtic won 2-1, lifting the League Cup trophy for the 21st time in its history. It was Celtic who took the lead in the first half of the game, with Furuhashi scoring the opener. The same player doubled the lead in the second half, while Morelos’ goal added to the excitement but couldn’t help Rangers equalise.
It was also the team’s first League Cup final triumph against Gers since 2017.
Regarding strengths, Celtic has a powerful attack, with Kyogo Furuhashi, Liel Abada, Daizen Maeda, and Jota capable of regularly hitting the net. They love playing the possession game and put their defensive lines high to increase the pressure on the opponent. Contemporary football requires rapidness, quick thinking and eagerness to win every ball. Celtic had all the aforementioned components and that’s why they left this season as Champions.
In contrast, consistency is one of the team’s main weaknesses, as well as the lack of mentality to win big matches. Also, the squad depths could be better. Some key players were prone to injury, while their replacements were inadequate.
From GK to ST: Squad Depth Is the Key to the Success
A deep roster allows every team to weather the storm of injuries and other unforeseen circumstances that are certain to happen throughout the season. The Scottish football championship is very long, so having depth is vital. According to Daily Record, that is precisely what Celtic needs for a successful European campaign next year.
In this case, Celtic will have more on-field options. Also, depth will help keep the team’s players fresh. By rotating them, the manager can prevent the starters from getting too tired.
Additionally, depth provides a competitive advantage. Celtic is always a title favourite, so a deep roster is vital to every strategy.
Celtic has enjoyed a strong season so far, and there have been several standout performers.
Kyogo Furuhashi is the team’s best goalscorer, with 31 goals in 47 games this season. This includes all domestic and European competition.
After last year’s loan from Benfica, the Portuguese winger made a permanent move to Celtic. He is enjoying his time in Glasgow and, in addition to 14 goals this season, is constantly threatening the opponents on the wing.
Callum McGregor has also been in great form during the season, and the Scot has been a driving force in midfield. Cameron Carter-Vicker has been more than solid at the back, continuing his role as a vital part of the team’s defence. Last but not least is Joe Hart. The former Manchester City goalie made several vital saves this season, helping his side to keep 15 clean sheets in the Scottish championship.
Celtic seems to be covered in all positions, but if the team wants to retain the title and reach the UEFA Champions League group stage, it will need more squad depth. If Celtic can add a few quality players to its squad, it will be a tough team to beat next season.
Never Is Too Early for The Next Year’s Plan
When it comes to the following year, Celtic’s board should focus on continuing to build on the recent success. It means investing in the team and providing them with the necessary resources. At the same time, Celtic must develop young talents through its youth academy, ensuring a solid foundation for the future.
Celtic’s challenges in the next season include competition from Rangers, the club’s biggest rivals. Injuries will play a vital role in the team’s strength, so the board needs to pay attention to squad depth. Celtic will face the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, and if it wants to make it to the group stages, it needs to be prepared for the demands of the competition.
Celtic’s goals for the following season don’t differ much from those at the start of this one. The team will be looking to win the Scottish football championship, the Scottish Cup and the League Cup. The cup final against Inverness will take place on June 3, and the early kick-off has caused controversy, at least according to The Scottish Sun.
In Europe, reaching the Champions League group stage is the team’s main objective.
Celtic needs to provide additional investment in the team to capitalise on the team’s improvement. Competing at the highest level costs, but the invested funds will pay off in the long run. Celtic has a strong youth academy, and developing players is another way of securing the future. Being a famous club with a large fan base will attract talented players, ensuring the team can perform at its best. By taking these steps, Celtic can continue to improve and achieve success in the years to come.
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