Celtic’s Scottish Premiership title victory was important for several different reasons this term under Brendan Rodgers.
Despite a challenge from their rivals that certain people were keen to turn into a soap opera, Celtic won the league by eight points, a bigger margin than last year’s success under Ange Postecoglou.
Nevertheless, aside from that, Celtic have secured automatic entry into the new format of the Champions League next season, opening up a world of possibilities on and off the field at Parkhead.
An increase in competition fixtures has guaranteed Rodgers’ men at least eight clashes against the European elite – four home and four away against different opposition.
TV revenue is also set to skyrocket by 21% compared to 2023/24, which, not factoring in gate receipts and commercial income, makes the competition a very lucrative one for Celtic to be involved in.
Brendan Rodgers on why Celtic’s title win was so important
Yesterday, we discussed Rodgers’ thoughts on why the new Champions League format can be very exciting for Celtic, and he has now delved further into the practicalities of featuring in the competition for a third successive campaign.
Intriguingly, while speaking live on talkSPORT earlier today, the Irishman also predicted where the Hoops would finish in the English top-flight if they were entitled to the eyewatering finances available south of the border.
Rodgers explained when asked about the financial disparity between clubs in Scotland and England: “That’s why the league was so important for us this year, especially with the new format and financially more reward than before because it’s the best opportunity that the club can get to make substantial funds.
“Clearly, from a football perspective, it’s great to go and test yourselves at that level, but Celtic and Rangers, obviously, I can only talk from a Celtic perspective. It’s an absolutely massive club worldwide.”
“There’s no doubt, if Celtic was in the Premier League, it would be up there in minimum, that top six bracket.
“It’s absolutely incredible, wherever you go in the world, you will meet Celtic supporters. The fan base, the history of the club, that’s what makes it a truly, truly massive club.”
Celtic belong in the Champions League despite financial realities
Celtic are club with enormous stature in the game and deserve a seat at the top table, even if current times are making it increasingly difficult for teams outside of the top five league in Europe to compete financially.
Undoubtedly, the reigning Scottish Premiership champions should’ve fared better than they have on the continent over the last decade or so; however, there is always hope for the future, and fans will be optimistic about heading into the new format.
Hopefully, a summer of positivity on the recruitment front is in store so the club can put up a fight once the action commences later this year.