Celtic’s elimination in Almaty has forced another reflection on their long line of painful qualifying exits in Europe’s premier competition. Over the last dozen years, defeats to Maribor, Malmo, AEK Athens, CFR Cluj, Ferencvaros and FC Midtjylland each sparked anger and self-criticism.
Those losses highlighted the gulf between the club’s ambitions and their actual standing. The glory of Lisbon in 1967 and the famous atmosphere in Glasgow have carried the reputation, but on the field the reality has been far less impressive.
The loss to Kairat Almaty surpassed even those setbacks. Two matches without scoring, wasted chances, three missed penalties in the shootout and around £40m slipping away illustrated the scale of the collapse. It was, in every sense, a collective failure.
Accountability on the board and manager
The directors chose to delay major signings until qualification was secured. This left the squad weakened compared with last season and undermined the chance to build on a promising campaign. The lack of visible leadership from figures such as Dermot Desmond and chief executive Michael Nicholson has fuelled frustration among supporters.
Brendan Rodgers also bears responsibility. His tendency to heap praise after routine domestic wins masks the club’s stagnation in continental football. New arrivals like Arne Engels, Adam Idah and Auston Trusty, costing more than £26m, have so far provided little return. Idah and Engels remain on the fringes, while Trusty has not featured due to injury.
Much of the team is still based on Ange Postecoglou’s era, with Rodgers’ own additions failing to make an impact. The decline of last season’s performers further underlines the stagnation. The result in Kazakhstan therefore reflects shortcomings both in recruitment strategy and in Rodgers’ management.
A fractured future
Only months ago, Celtic pushed Bayern Munich to the limit in the Champions League, suggesting a platform to grow. Instead, optimism has been squandered, replaced by bitterness and division between board, coach and fans.
Rodgers’ contract situation remains unresolved, with no extension offered and the likelihood of his departure at the end of the season. While domestic trophies are still within reach, the wider lesson of Almaty risks being ignored if league and cup success distract from the deeper failings.
Both Glasgow clubs now compete not only for silverware but also over which set of supporters carries the greater discontent. Celtic’s humiliation abroad has left scars that will take far longer to heal than any victory over Rangers at home.
