Celtic Must Use Europa League to Erase Almaty Pain

Stiliyan Petrov has urged Celtic to use the Europa League as the launchpad for their season after the shock Champions League exit at the hands of Kairat Almaty.

The former midfielder believes Europe can provide the reset the squad needs as Brendan Rodgers looks to stabilise his side in the coming weeks.

The Hoops will meet Roma, Feyenoord, Braga, Red Star Belgrade, Sturm Graz, Midtjylland, Utrecht and Bologna in the new Europa League league phase. Petrov, who famously drove Celtic to a UEFA Cup final in 2003, sees parallels with his own playing days and insists there are opportunities for Rodgers’ side to make a statement.

Celtic’s Champions League elimination was a sore one, especially given the nature of the penalty shoot-out defeat, but Petrov has stressed that the campaign is far from over. He believes the upcoming European fixtures can lift the mood inside and outside the dressing room if results go Celtic’s way early.

With pressure mounting after a tough start, Petrov is adamant the Europa League can become the “compass of the season” and provide the platform for Celtic to rebuild momentum.

He said: (TCW), “With all of the pressure and negativity from everywhere, I think this (Europe) will be the compass of the season.

“If Celtic start well in the Europa League and have a good campaign, all of this will be forgotten. Don’t forget, the next transfer window is in three months, and you can change so many things. If you have a good start, then everything can fall into place. I think Celtic have a good opportunity, as the teams they will play are of a similar quality.

“After that Basel game, I said in the dressing room, ‘let’s go and win the UEFA Cup. I was bold and naive at the time, but look what happened – we got really close!

“In the Europa League, there are big possibilities, though it is important that they get off to a good start.”

Petrov’s comments will resonate with supporters who still remember the run to Seville under Martin O’Neill, where Celtic defied the odds to reach a European final. The former Bulgarian international insists that mentality and belief can still carry a side deep into a competition, even if the path has changed.

The draw itself has presented Celtic with a testing but balanced schedule, one that should see them compete strongly if they can rediscover form quickly. The presence of Roma and Feyenoord adds glamour, while ties against Midtjylland, Sturm Graz and Utrecht are the type Celtic need to win.

Rodgers will be under pressure to deliver results, but Petrov’s message is one of patience and perspective. With the transfer window opening again in January, the ex-captain is confident the squad will evolve, and early progress in Europe could ease the tension.

What Petrov has reminded Celtic of is that setbacks in August do not define a season. The Europa League offers a chance to reset, rally and create new memories, and the former midfielder believes the Hoops are well placed to seize it.