Champions League play-off carries an uneasy sense of déjà vu

The parallels with August 2018 are striking. Then, as now, Celtic were one or two quality signings short. Then, as now, the manager’s warnings about squad strength clashed with a slower, more cautious approach from the boardroom. And then, as now, the risk of missing out on the Champions League looms large.

Celtic’s AEK Athens fiasco 

Seven years ago, Rodgers went into the third qualifying round against AEK Athens with a depleted squad. Odsonne Edouard was injured, Kristoffer Ajer suspended, Moussa Dembele only half-fit, and Dedryck Boyata caught in a public contract dispute – if we put it politely. At the back, Jozo Šimunović and Jack Hendry were pressed into action.

The John McGinn saga 

The January window before had brought in Marvin Compper and Charly Musonda — neither of whom made any meaningful impact. A summer pursuit of John McGinn collapsed amid frustration and finger-pointing between Rodgers and CEO Peter Lawwell, the manager was eventually trolled with the signing of ‘free all summer’ Youssouf Mulumbu, via Kilmarnock, on a six-month deal.

Celtic lost narrowly — 2–1 in Athens, 3–2 on aggregate — but the damage was bigger than the scoreline. We dropped into the Europa League, missing out on the Champions League’s financial windfall and competitive stage. Many supporters felt that two or three timely signings could have made all the difference.

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