Opinion: Celtic need a complete reset when it comes to European football

Celtic‘s latest exit from Europe has to be considered as one of the Hoops’ most disappointing in recent years.

The 2-0 loss to Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League Conference saw the Hoops lose 5-1 on aggregate to the Norwegian side. With no disrespect meant to Celtic’s opponents, the Bhoys really should be doing better in Europe, and the fact that Ange Postecoglou’s side were so outclassed over both legs of the tie should be a wake-up call to the club.

It might not be though, as most of the focus of the club is on domestic issues, and that is understandable, as winning the league is the most important aspect of the season for Celtic.

But perhaps there should be more focus on Europe at the club. The fact that the Hoops haven’t won a knockout stage tie in Europe since 2004 should be an embarrassment for all at Celtic.

There has to be a reset at the club when it comes to the attitude towards European football. It should be as important to the club as the domestic game, but it doesn’t seem to be at the moment, and that was shown in the side that was selected by the Hoops manager for the second leg, with many key players left on the bench ahead of the game against Hibernian on Sunday.

Celtic should be able to handle playing games in Europe and domestically in the same week, they should be treated with equal importance, but at the moment it looks as if domestic football is far more important to Celtic.

It is vital that the club’s attitude towards Europe changes as it will not do the club any good at all if Celtic qualify for the Champions League group stages next season and are heavily defeated in every game. That would be a real blow to morale and confidence to everyone at the club.

The 2021/22 season should be seen as a