Celtic in Europe: Time to Ditch the Excuses and Believe Bigger

Harry H on how this season should be a starting point for a belief shift

As the curtain falls on another season, Celtic fans can finally reflect on a continental campaign that offered more pride than pain. Unlike previous years marred by disappointment, defensive frailty, or early elimination, this season’s European journey saw Celtic show signs of growth, confidence, and competitiveness. For once, the hoops faithful had more than just a handful of hard luck stories—they had moments to savour.

Yet, amidst the deserved praise, a familiar tone has crept into some discussions: “It was just a good draw. We got lucky.” Or, “We can’t expect that every season—Europe’s a different level, money rules everything.”

To which we must now say: Wrong!

This season shouldn’t be an anomaly filed under “right place, right time.” It should be the start of a mindset shift—an inflection point for how Celtic see themselves in Europe. Not as perennial underdogs hoping to avoid embarrassment, but as a club with the structure, scale, and identity to push higher.

The Numbers Don't Lie

Let’s start with the facts. despite being one of the best-resourced clubs outside the big five leagues, we have not performed as such.

The problem isn't money. It’s mentality. This graph says it all.