No deflection or dejection- Celtic’s only success in Bodo restates ambitions

Celtic have no time to feel sorry for themselves after a disheartening trip into the Arctic Circle. 

Results so far in 2022 have suggested a team coming together, building momentum, moving forward at an impressive rate. 

Back to back defeats from Bodo Glimt, deserved winners on a 5-1 aggregate over two legs puts a question mark over hoe far Celtic have progressed under Ange Postecoglou. 

Last night’s team sheet proved that the manager had divided priorities, this season’s SPFL title has always been the priority but being outplayed by a Norwegian side home and away is a reminder of how much work Celtic have to do in the bigger picture. 

Joe Hart was probably Celtic’s best performer last night but that was no consolation to the former England keeper. 

The 34-year-old has been through every experience possible in the game, as he reflected back on last night’s disappointment he tried to look forward to the domestic prizes: 

Discussing Postecoglou’s reaction to being knocked out of the Europa Conference, Hart told the Daily Record: 

Have you ever seen the manager look happy? That’s just his face! Of course he wasn’t happy. None of us were happy but we’re certainly not going to get too down about it. We have got big stuff ahead 

Every game we go in to we have the intention of winning and playing out brand of football. We haven’t don’t it tonight. What can we do? Nothing but we can move on to Sunday and do our best to perform and win again. There is a bigger picture – and that’s the only picture. 

It’s really simple. While we were in this competition it was in our picture to win it. Of course it was. We are out not but we are still in the league and the cup and that’s what we’ll focus on. 

Sunday at noon against Hibs is the platform for Celtic to regain momentum and confidence but no one inside the club can be in any doubt about how much work the club has to do to be competent and respected in Europe.