Rodgers’ realism signals Celtic’s new normal in Europe after Belgrade draw

Celtic earned a point in Belgrade as they opened their Europa League campaign with a draw against Red Star, a result Brendan Rodgers described as a sign of the club’s evolving European reality. After a summer noted for transfer turmoil and criticism from supporters, the Scottish champions are navigating a season in which their continental aim has paused at the Europa League level rather than the Champions League from the outset.

The match unfolded in a cauldron-like atmosphere at the Rajko Mitić stadium, where Celtic withstood an early onslaught and secured a valuable point on the road. Red Star entered the night having been formidable at home in domestic competition, and Celtic’s resilience in the face of a hostile environment underscored the broader shift Rodgers has pointed to: a team that must grow within the Europa League framework rather than chase the prestige of Europe’s top competition.

A central figure for Celtic in Belgrade was Kelechi Iheanacho, who arrived as a free agent in the close of the summer window and was the only substitute brought on at the break. The Nigeria forward offered a focal point in attack and an immediate attacking option after half-time, providing a sense of how Celtic intend to approach matches in Europe this season when they can lean on a recognised striker as a reference point in the box. Two fresh faces, Colby Donovan and Sebastian Tounekti, added youth and pace to the squad, but the night still underscored the challenge of mounting a sustained European push with a squad that has faced departures and injuries.

Rodgers spoke after the match about the realities facing Celtic this season. He said, “I think that we are where we are and I think that tonight is a good point.” He stressed the need for realism when evaluating results in the current landscape, noting that “you’re probably not going to go win all eight games,” and that the group’s success would hinge on what Celtic could do themselves rather than chasing results in every venue. The manager framed the draw as proof that the squad could compete in a demanding environment even if a perfect run remained out of reach.

The broader context weighed heavily on the evening. Rodgers has repeatedly pointed to a summer transfer window that left Celtic short of the kind of reinforcement the club previously relied upon during European campaigns. The manager acknowledged he could have made a couple of changes but chose to lean on the players already at his disposal, underscoring a perception among supporters that the squad lacks depth to sustain a long European run. The result and the surrounding atmosphere fed into a debate that had already been playing out in the stands and on social media about whether Celtic’s current makeup could sustain a meaningful push in Europe this season.

The reception from fans outside and inside the stadium was mixed as the match progressed. Some supporters praised the point as a hard-earned result in a difficult away venue, highlighting resilience and organization in a performance that kept Celtic in contention. Others criticized the squad’s perceived lack of energy and ideas, urging further signings that would lift the group for the Europa League grind ahead. One observer wrote that Iheanacho could have had a hat-trick, while others argued the team looked stale and short of ideas at times. The tension around the club in the wake of the fixture reflected ongoing conversations about Celtic’s transfer strategy and long-term planning.

Looking ahead, Rodgers remains measured about Celtic’s trajectory in Europe. The new reality appears to be a mix of cautious optimism and guarded realism: the team can compete, but the path to advancing beyond the group stage may be more challenging without additional reinforcements. The manager’s emphasis on focusing on what Celtic can control—stability, cohesion, and execution—suggests the club may seek to build a sustainable platform in the Europa League rather than chase a return to the Champions League at the first opportunity.

For fans, the Belgrade result was a test of patience and faith in the club’s direction. Some supporters welcomed the point and the restraint it implied, while others called for urgency and more aggressive action in the transfer market. In the end, Rodgers’ assessment of realism served as both a summary of the evening and a charge to the squad and its supporters to adapt to a continental landscape where every match matters and the margin for error is narrow.

As Celtic navigate the Europa League group stage, the balance between aspiration and practicality will likely define the narrative around Rodgers and his team in the weeks ahead. If the club can translate the Belgrade point into steady improvement—without overreliance on a small group of players—the new normal could begin to resemble a more consistent, if less glamorous, reality: a Celtic side capable of competing robustly in Europe within the framework that exists today.