Andre Pirlo believes that Celtic are back where they belong in the Champions League.
The legendary midfielder has played against the hoops for Juventus and AC Milan and knows all about the magical traditions of the Scottish champions.
Despite losing out on a 5-0 aggregate to the Turnin giants Neil Lennon’s side and it’s supporters made a huge impression on Pirlo.
“I think what Celtic have shown this campaign is that they are not in Europe to make up the numbers,” he stated. “After their performances in Europe, teams won’t want them in their group next season.
“It’s not just their win against Barcelona but their performances against other big European teams like Benfica and Moscow.
“They belong in the Champions League. It is not just the quality of player they have but everything they represent as a club.
“Their history, their fans, the stadium – it’s clubs like this that make the Champions League great.”
Pirlo added: “It’s the toughest club competition in the world and each season you aim to better the last. Progressing from the group stage should now be a minimum from Celtic. Next season they should really be aiming for the quarter-finals.
“If they keep their best players I don’t see why that can’t happen.”
Celtic reached the last 16 of the Champions League despite being in among the fourth seeds at the group stage.
Despite that Lennon’s side picked up 10 points to finish above Spartak Moscow and Benfica collecting a world record of 10 points for a Scottish club.
Next season Celtic face three qualifying rounds if they are to return to the top table of European football.
Pirlo makes the comment that celtic should qualify next year if they keep the squad together. I know there will be a couple of big players leaving in the summer but the only one I can see moving to a club that are in the champions league is wanyama therefore I think we should keep the squad together until the qualifiers are over before letting anyone go.
Hate to disagree with a fellow tim but all players stalling on contracts and others not playing for the jersey get rid, make an example for the next buys, dont pull your wieght or get the big time charlie complex your out.
No need to apologise pal.my point is that we can use these players to qualify and there will still be plenty of time to move them on after we do. If they really are desperate to move down south or wherever then a few good performances in the qualifiers won’t do any harm.
we got thru this season thanks to luck and a great crowd at home as usual. we have the worst manager in Europe who has presided over more embarrassing results than any other Celtic manager. We will do nothing until ‘lenny’ the clown leaves. Worst manager of all time, look at the crowds, he is single handedly murdering Celtic
Trolling hun, cause fat sally is such great shakes isn’t he?
The worst manager in Europe? NEVER.
Did you use a brain while typing this ya fud
After being 2 goals up today against Ross County and then surrendering 3 goals to lose the game, Lenny needs to look at the (too many) passengers and make the necessary changes. We need to wrap this league up asap.
More panicked reactions from supposed ‘fans’. Lennon is a good manager who’s turned things around entirely from the dire position we were left in by Tony Mowbray. Although he’s made some mistakes he should still rightly be regarded as one of the top up and coming young managers in Europe. Hate all of these complete overreactions any time we lose
Absolute disgrace-lucky to draw in Perth,defeat at Motherwell,ditto County today.Defence appalling,Effing Ambrose.Serious lack of class, If they’d bought Fletcher yrs ago they would probably have been in CL the following season.Constant reluctance to buy in some class.Lawwell has reduced the Tic to mediocrity.Get a decent centre half,creative mid-fielder and a Big Striker.Too many little guys.I can see a struggle to get over the line.Anyone can beat Celtic it seems.LOsing a goal against Juve in 3 mins-criminal.By the way a good link-works every time firstrow1.eu
I know right? Barcelona are suuuch an easy team to be, that even a shite group of fannies like Celtic could manage it.
aye exactly,like the huns when they drew 0-0 with them.How many embarrassing defeats before people realise ‘lenny’ is an idiot. Mulgrew has become our stalwart midfield maestro now, its so bad its hard to believe. lenny,samaras,brown,mulgrew,hooper and liewell out and give us a manager and a team that are enjoyable to watch and know how to play football the Celtic way or even just football
Get your head looked at fud
I dont agree with everything that Bogboy says,I think the man is entitled to his opinion craigbhoy so how about carrying yourself in an adult manner and not respond in the way you have to someone who sees things differently.
Yogi, he is a trolling hun dont buy the celtic fan nonsense. There will be changes in the summer some may seem good some bad time will tell. Year on Year improvement in Europe from Neil which is where the top teams are measured not the league cup.
typical, you dare to criticise our awful performances and you’re a trolling hun just because idiots like above say so. I’m a lifelong Celtic fan and hope lennon goes as soon as possible, deal with it.