By Dan Gaichas
There’s a new manager at Celtic Park, and it’s Liverpool’s ex-manager Brendan Rogers. Rogers and Celtic overcame a scare in the Second Qualifying Round in the UEFA Champions League to get by Gibraltar side Lincoln Red Imps and then got past FC Astana of Kazakhstan. They will take on Israeli side Hapoel Beer Sheva in the Playoff Round to get into the Group Stage for the first time since 2013-14.
It’s been quite a mix and match since July going from Champions League Qualifying, to Scottish Premiership (opening with a 2-1 win over Hearts), to League Cup (where they thrashed Motherwell on Wednesday), to International Champions Cup where they will play a friendly on Saturday against Inter Milan in Limerick, Ireland.
Celtic are looking for a 6th successive Scottish league title and 48th overall to get within six of Rangers who make their return to the top flight after four years in the lower divisions due to financial recklessness.
The biggest signings to come to Parkhead include Moussa Dembele from Fulham, Scott Sinclair from Aston Villa, and Kolo Toure from Liverpool. Leigh Griffiths returns after scoring 31 goals last season leading the Scottish Premiership by a distance. Scott Brown enters his seventh season as club captain.
With Rangers back in the top flight, all eyes will be on whether they can challenge the Bhoys for the title after four years outside the top flight. The first Old Firm Derby of the year takes place on September 10th. The Bhoys will be looking to retain the title and make the group stage of the Champions League for the first time in three seasons. Brendan Rogers has gone from one Irish-favorite club in Liverpool to another. Can the Irishman take Celtic further in Europe while adding more trophies to Paradise? Time shall tell.
