It shouldn’t be a surprise, but Celtic have started the campaign in the perfect manner, and are already looking over their shoulder.
There has been a lot of noise in Glasgow this summer. From Rangers appointing a new manager in Russell Martin to Celtic fans being divided over the club’s summer transfer business.
But one thing that can’t be argued is what’s happening on the field of play, with maximum points for Brendan Rodgers, including beating Aberdeen 2-0 at Pittodrie on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Rangers have made their worst league start since 1989, including requiring a questionable stoppage-time James Tavernier penalty to rescue a point against Dundee on Saturday evening.
But does any of this have any bearing on what Celtic do in the summer transfer market?
Rangers’ poor form ‘impacting’ Celtic’s transfer business
Celtic fans will be hoping Rangers’ poor form doesn’t impact what the club do in the market because, at the end of the day, the bread and butter is the Premiership.
But Kris Boyd thinks it does because he feels those in the Celtic boardroom are ‘very happy’ with the domestic success.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Boyd stated that Celtic are ‘winning comfortably domestically’, and this is seemingly enough for the powers that be.
Eilidh Barbour asks: “Whether this has any bearing or not, I am simply asking the question. But when Rangers are dropping points domestically. Does that have an impact on how much business Celtic do?”
Boyd responded: “100%. I think everybody gets carried away with Celtic in Europe, in terms of the Champions League.
“They probably hit the glass ceiling last year by getting to the knockout stages against Bayern Munich. Ran them close. The group stage football at Celtic Park was amazing for the Celtic players and the fans. They all enjoyed it.
“I kind of get the feeling, as a club, they are quite happy winning domestically. Where else are you going to go in Europe? Do you drop down to the Europa League? And maybe get a run in it?
“But then, you don’t have the finances of the Champions League. They are quite happy, winning domestically, winning comfortably domestically, and they will, let’s not be kidded.”
Celtic’s domestic success compared to Rangers since 2000
This is the debate. On the one hand, you have Rodgers, who wants Celtic to push further and further forward by going for it in Europe.
But it seems as though those in charge are happy to, as Rodgers put it, ‘maintain’ the domestic success, and let’s be honest, there is nothing wrong with that.
All that matters is what happens in the Premiership, and then the rest follows, as Celtic have dominated like never before for nearly three decades now.
Celtic’s titles since the turn of the century: 19
Rangers’ titles since the turn of the century: 6
Celtic’s trophies since the turn of the century: 42
Rangers’ trophies since the turn of the century: 18
