Brendan Rodgers wants Celtic to be prepared for a rebuilding job.
The hoops boss wants to create a team that is regularly reaching the knock-out phase of the Champions League.
As Neil Lennon discovered success on the continent attracts lots of interest with Fraser Forster, Victor Wanyama and Virgil van Dijk moving on for big bucks after starring on the big stage.
Despite taking just one point from three matches Celtic’s Champions League performances have raised the profile of players such as Moussa Dembele and Kieran Tierney.
When the big money offers come in there is little that Celtic can do to retain their stars with Rodgers wanting to be one step ahead with ready made replacements waiting for their chance.
“It will probably be difficult to keep the team together for the next three years,” the Celtic boss admitted.
“That’s why it’s important we are ahead of the game and have a pipeline of players to replace those who move on.
“As each game goes on, the belief of the players will grow and it’s up to me and my staff to convince the players of their ability at this level.
“I’ve come here to be realistic, of course, and I know the superpowers we are competing against, so you have to have a sense of reality as well but it shouldn’t stop our ambition.
“That is the standard that I want to drive at the club in every aspect on and off the field. We have to strive to get there.
“You want the club to be a success and you want it to be as successful as it possibly can be.
“For what we are competing against throughout Europe then of course arriving in the Champions League is a measure of success.
“That is success for a Scottish team to do that but when you are in there, it’s then about the next goal.”
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