Celtic

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Swansea City are keen on signing Adam Idah, with Celtic willing to sell or loan the Irish striker if they sign a replacement. (Scottish Sun), external

Celtic have had an opening bid of £2.6m rejected for Hammarby winger Sebastian Tounekti, with the Swedish club holding out for at least £4.3m. (Daily Record), external

Aberdeen have agreed a six-figure fee for Celtic left-back Mitchell Frame. (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Thursday's Scottish gossip.

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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It's extraordinary to think that as recently as mid-February, Celtic were punching above their weight against Bayern Munich in the knockout phase of the Champions League.

The drop-off in form since has been remarkable, reaching it's nadir thousands of miles away in Kazakhstan. Unable to score a goal against Kairat Almaty in 210 minutes. Unable even to convert 50% of their penalties.

How on earth did it come to this for Brendan Rodgers and Celtic?

Let's start with 18 February at the Allianz Arena. Celtic lined up with Kasper Schmeichel in goal; a back four of Alistair Johnston, Auston Trusty, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jeffrey Schlupp; Callum McGregor, Arne Engels and Reo Hatate formed the midfield behind a front three of Jota, goalscorer Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda.

The only players no longer at the club are Schlupp and Kuhn, with the former replaced by an upgrade in Kieran Tierney. Admittedly, the injured Johnston and Jota are sorely, significantly missed.

Benjamin Nygren, however, has been recruited and the Sweden international has scored three goals in six games so far, a more than tidy return.

Which makes the humiliation against Kairat all the more difficult to fathom. How did a team still comprising Schmeichel, Carter-Vickers, McGregor, Hatate, Maeda and Engels (albeit from the bench) manage to look such a pale imitation of itself?

The warning signs have been there for months. After defeat in Munich, Celtic also lost to Hibs, Rangers and St Johnstone in fairly short order before scraping a draw with St Mirren on trophy day.

There then followed the dreadfully flat Scottish Cup final display against Aberdeen. Celtic's performance arc was plummeting, camouflaged by yet another 'double'.

At some point Celtic were always going to dip. Maintaining such high performance levels is finite for most teams and athletes. You build, you peak, you have a natural drop-off.

And yet the decline in this Celtic side is more than that, and for some quite obvious reasons. As the manager has been at pains to point out, the departing quality has not been replaced, like for like.

Kyogo Furuhashi left in January and it's a matter of some puzzlement the Japan striker still hasn't been adequately replaced. Kuhn was recently sold for £15m.

As well as the team's collective drop-off, what are we to make of the decline or burn-out of certain individuals? Maeda is unrecognisable from last season's player of the year.

Engels, recruited at a club record cost of £11m, can't even get into the starting XI. The much-maligned Adam Idah, almost as expensive, still contributed 20 goals last season, but on his current trajectory he'll do well to get half that this term.

Certain key Celtic players are way off their best level. Is that why the powerbrokers are so reluctant to dip into their reserves? Do they feel the £26m for Idah, Engels and Trusty was money badly spent and that their fingers might have been burned again if they recruited swiftly and significantly?

Surely the scorch marks are even worse now – their failure to give the manager the players he was asking for has left a £20m hole in the budget amid a perfect storm of underinvestment, underperformance and an underestimation of what it takes to maintain consistent European respectability.

Even if Celtic want to be a respectable Europa League side, they'll have to recruit well, spend well and find a way to get a smile back on the faces of certain players.

If they don't, the Kairat calamity may not be the season's low point.

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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Despite featuring in the Champions League in the past three seasons, Tuesday's miserable penalty shootout defeat to Kairat marked Celtic's fifth straight failure in qualifying for the tournament.

In Brendan Rodgers' first spell as manager, he guided the team to the top table of club football via the qualifiers in back-to-back campaigns, but a 3-2 aggregate defeat to AEK Athens in 2018 started a wretched run.

The following year, under Neil Lennon, the Glasgow side fell at the third-round stage after a bonkers 4-3 second-leg loss at home to Cluj of Romania.

In 2020, Celtic failed at the round prior when Lennon's men lost a one-legged tie 2-1 at home to Hungarian champions Ferencvaros.

It was a similar story the next campaign when Midtjylland got the better of Celtic in the infancy of Ange Postecoglou's reign. A 1-1 first-leg draw came before a 2-1 extra-time defeat in Denmark.

In the following three campaigns, the Parkhead side benefitted from Scotland's boosted coefficient ranking, meaning they automatically entered Uefa's elite club competition for winning the Scottish Premiership.

But damage to the nation's coefficient meant Celtic were dropped into qualifying at the play-off round this term - and shootout agony in Kazakhstan after an abject second-leg display stretched the Scottish champions' grim record in qualifying.

Captain Callum McGregor says Celtic did not deserve to qualify for the league phase of the Champions League and that the squad "need help" in the form of new signings before the transfer window closes.

Celtic lost a penalty shootout away to Kairat Almaty after the two-legged tie ended 0-0 as Brendan Rodgers' side failed to score a goal in 210 minutes against the Kazakhstan club.

The Scottish champions have missed out on £20m in revenue and will now go into the Europa League.

"We are very low, it's really disappointing. We probably didn't create enough to get there and there were a few moments where you think it is not going to be our night," the former Scotland midfielder said.

"We didn't do enough to deserve to qualify. The players are probably the most frustrated out of everyone."

Celtic's summer recruitment has been criticised for leaving the squad lacking depth and quality before the crucial tie - and manager Brendan Rodgers has added to questions over the lack of new arrivals.

Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Boca Juniors left-back Marcelo Saracchi look poised to arrive this week - and McGregor says they are required.

"We need help, we need players, we need a stronger squad if we want to compete on all fronts. We need bodies in the door and hopefully the club can do it," he said.

"It's a sore one for the club in terms of finances. But no-one has got a God-given right to be in the tournament."

McGregor paid tribute to Kairat, who progressed to the league phase of Europe's top club competition despite having fewer resources.

"We have to credit them. They worked hard and made it ugly. Football's not easy. It's competitive," added McGregor, who believes Sunday's Old Firm game is the ideal way to attempt to get over the Kairat exit.

"They were well drilled and organised and carried a bit of luck and we have to accept that. Little moments went against, things didn't fall for us.

"But the Europa league can still be a good platform. It's not the Champions League, which gives the place a buzz and is the highest level of competition.

"But we have to reset and do well in that; we don't want it to snowball into one bad game that becomes two or three. Then you're really up against it.

"We have a huge game on Sunday and we have to stick together. There is a little bit of added pressure with this game but can we park this and go there and get a result."

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Former Celtic winger Aiden McGeady on BBC Sportsound

Celtic have got more than enough quality to be beating Kairat. The first leg was very lethargic and slow. There was a real lack of quality and intensity. It's a Champions League qualifier.

I remember being on the end of a 5-0 defeat by Artmedia Bratislava, which was unforgivable, but the return leg we won 4-0.

I thought we would see a massive difference between the two performances and both were very similar.

Former Celtic midfielder John Collins on BBC Sportsound

The biggest disappointment for everyone associated with Celtic is they have been knocked out by a very, very average team. That's not a Champions League team.

In the final third there's been a lack of creativity, no penetration. The reality is, they have lost Kyogo, Kuhn's gone, Jota is injured, you've lost pace, you've lost sharpness at the top end of the pitch.

The board are going to take the flak now because they should have had players in before this game. They took the gamble that they would have enough to get through this game and bring players in after. Unfortunately it has backfired.

Former Celtic manager Martin O'Neill on Amazon Prime

It's their own fault. They are out of a competition they should really be in.

They just have not done enough over the two games. They've had little moments. Daizen Maeda had a moment and he should score the goal.

But there was never a sustained spell of six or seven minutes when they put the opposition under pressure when you felt they were going to capitulate.

Former Celtic midfielder Stiliyan Petrov on Amazon Prime

I think they're short probably four or five classy players with good quality.

Celtic has always paid attention to developing players, giving them time, but they have those players. Now they need quality. They need players who can make a difference.

A club like Celtic cannot be satisfied with the Europa League. The manager needs backing and needs players. If you want to be successful, you have to spend.

Football writer Stephen McGowan on BBC's Scottish football podcast

In the cold light of day, this Celtic team is a Europa League team. I don't think they would have done themselves a great deal of justice in the Champions League, so every cloud has a silver lining.

But I think there are huge questions that need to be asked now about Celtic's football operation.

People were saying widely before the game that they hadn't done enough to bring in quality additions - and that's been backed up by what we saw last night when Yang and a 34-year-old James Forrest were starting wide men.

Martin Watt
BBC Sport Scotland

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Two huge chances late on. Two costly misses.

Daizen Maeda could barely put a foot wrong last season, but has been found wanting early in the new campaign as Celtic's Champions League dream crashed and burned.

In the first leg against Kairat Almaty the Japan striker broke clean through and shot straight at the goalkeeper. Then, in Tuesday night's return, Maeda again raced clear with only the keeper the beat, but this time skied his effort.

In a tie where Celtic had all the cutting edge of a blunt instrument, those two golden opportunities proved the difference between Champions League and Europa League, the difference between £40m and £20m.

To complete his and Celtic's misery, Maeda became the third Celtic player to miss in the shootout as their exit fate was sealed.

The 27-year-old was far from the only disappointment over the two legs. But perhaps because his standards were so high last season - 33 goals, 12 assists, various player of the year awards - the dip has been so stark and keenly felt.

In his six appearances so far this term Maeda has netted once, in the League Cup rout of Falkirk.

Former midfielder John Collins described Maeda as "a shadow of last season's player" and added "none of the front players played well" in Almaty.

Now Brendan Rodgers must attempt to pick up the pieces of his shattered side, with Sunday's Old Firm derby the next pressing engagement.

Tom English
BBC Scotland's chief sports writer

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As failings go, this was a seismic one by Celtic and in analysing who is at fault, there is a world of criticism for everybody.

This was a defeat for the collective - players, manager, board. They are all in the frame together. It was an illustration of a club gambling on progress by waiting for Champions League qualification to be secured before properly refreshing its squad.

It is a thunderous example of how they have allowed their standards to drop, on the pitch and off it. Not that many months ago, Celtic went toe to toe over two legs with the Bayern Munich of Manuel Neuer, Dayot Upamecano, Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, Harry Kane, Kingsley Coman and Thomas Muller.

In losing 3-2 on aggregate and coming within seconds of taking the Germans to extra time in their own backyard, Celtic had momentum, something to build on.

They also had a stack of money in the bank and a support, broadly, facing in the same direction as the board. There was relative harmony and positivity. A rare commodity in Glasgow.

Now there's bitterness and rancour. They have blown their feelgood factor sky high.

Read more: Where does blame lie for Champions League embarrassment?

Brendan Rodgers insists Celtic must have a major club inquest after their Champions League exit against Kairat Almaty. (Scottish Sun)

Former Scotland striker Alan Brazil believes "something is wrong" with Daizen Maeda and that the Japan striker wants to leave Celtic. (Daily Record)

Rodgers said before the game that his side would have no excuse against Kairat - but the Celtic boss slated the playing surface, saying "the pitch made the quality of the game awful". (Scottish Sun)

The failure to sign a replacement for former striker Kyogo Furuhashi has cost Celtic £20m in Champions League revenue. (The Herald)

Former midfielder Stiliyan Petrov says Celtic are "probably short of four or five classy players of good quality". (Scottish Sun)

Ex-manager Martin O'Neill says Celtic's Champions League exit is "their own fault" and that they failed to mount "a sustained spell of pressure" to make Kairat "capitulate". (Scottish Sun)

Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip.

Celtic blew the chance to reach the Champions League after an ignominious defeat in a penalty shootout away to Kairat Almaty with Brendan Rodgers side failing to score a goal in 210 minutes.

Read the full match report here

Have your say on Celtic's performance

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "It was a poor game.

"It's just a shame because last year we made some great strides. we had a hint of what we could do and this was a great opportunity for us to show what we could do and we won't be there [in the Champions League].

"Plenty of endeavour, plenty of honesty but the Champions League is more than that.

"It's hugely disappointing and I really feel for the supporters who have travelled all the way to be here. the effort and commitment they've shown to be here. We're bitterly disappointed for them as well as ourselves.

"The Champions League is a wonderful competition but as we always do we will have to stick together as a squad. It's a tough one to take but we didn't do enough over the two legs.

"What I have in this group of players is that I can't fault them. From the first day back they've been brilliant. Domestically we've started well but at this level, even with teams that don't quite have the quality, you still need that little bit of extra finesse and precision. We obviously missed a big chance at home and tonight wasn't a great game of football.

"We have to accept it. Congratulations to Kairat, it's a fantastic result for them but we missed a huge opportunity.

"I just want to show the appreciation [to the fans], you can't underestimate the travel, finance, the love of the club to be here. We wanted to go through on the pitch to say thank you but it was always still in the balance. It's a huge disappointment.

"I always think that investment is great but investment in whatever you're doing has to be at the right time. At this moment in time it's a little bit raw. This group of players have given everything. We're obviously limited to what we could do in the game in moments. The players gave everything we just couldn't find enough moments of quality.

"It's very frustrating. We all know where we want to get to. We showed last year the strides I felt we took but you have to build on that. the last thing you want to do in football is manufacture your own stress but all we can do now is look at where we're at as a football club and decide where we want to go.

"At this moment in time we can still have a very good season.

When asked if being in the Europa League will alter the business the club will do before the end of the window, Rodgers added:

"I haven't a clue. I really don't know."

We asked for your views as Celtic close in on a permanent deal for Michel-Ange Balikwisha and loan move for Marcelo Saracchi.

Here's what some of you said:

Tom: It's bad that it's had to come to this, fans and the manager near enough screaming for signings. Now for the board to push out for the transfers. Celtic first went in for Balikwisha, a year later we get our man. Not heard of the left-back before but a striker and another winger and a back-up right-back on loan possibly would be ideal.

Nick: Loan move, ridiculous. Board are just being miserable. Buy some players! Utter nonsense. Loans, loans, loans. Pathetic.

Matt: I'm just pleased there's finally some added depth to the squad albeit only a little. We should have enough to see us through but likely another winger or striker needed at least on top of those two. Typical Celtic leaving all the business to the tail-end of the window though!

Liam: Too little, too late. Why wait until the day of our second leg away to bring in reinforcements? Summer transfers brought to you by the same board who employed Neil Lennon in a changing room. Farcical!

Brendan: It's absolutely too late. Balikwisha has apparently been a target since last summer. If Celtic were serious about signing him then why wasn't it lined up at the beginning of the window? It seems like each time the transfer window rolls arounds it comes as a surprise. What is so difficult in getting in players early? I understand that there will be many moving parts to these things but it comes across as lack of planning, lack of commitment and lack of ambition.

Kieran: Good signings on paper and would have come in very handy last week but far too late. It is quite laughable in all honesty and I hope it doesn't cost us our place in the Champions League. If it does, I suggest this board's time is up as the level of incompetence they have shown is unforgivable in my eyes.

Ian: Seems strange these deals are being done a matter of one week after the Champions League play-off signing deadline, and still no sign of a replacement for Kyogo Furuhashi.

Steven: They've been interested in Balikwisha for a prolonged period now, which tells a tale, his stats are good. Marcelo Saracchi and Diego Laxalt (remember him?) were Uruguay's go-to left-backs a few years ago but Saracchi seems to have been recalled recently which is positive. In my opinion they'll be decent, potentially above average signings.

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Celtic are nearing a double signing.

The Scottish champions, whose manager Brendan Rodgers has repeatedly called for reinforcements this summer, are closing in on a permanent deal for Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha and a loan move for Boca Juniors left-back Marcelo Saracchi.

What do you make of the potential deals? Are you pleased to see some incomings? With neither player arriving before the Champions League play-off, have the club left their business too late?

Give us your thoughts here.

Tino
Fan writer

What a week this could be.

In seven days' time we might be exactly where we want to be - if a number of key factors fall our way.

Champions League football could be secured for a fourth consecutive season, allowing us to finally breathe a little easier knowing Celtic's name will once again be in the draw to face Europe's elite.

The boost that would give both players and fans is immeasurable, because European football's top table is where this club strives to be, year after year.

On the domestic front, an equally exciting prospect awaits. Imagine glancing at the league table in the first week of September and seeing Celtic nine points clear of our biggest rivals. Nine points!

That's more than a lead - it's a statement. A declaration that Celtic are again setting the pace, calling the shots, and daring any newcomers to the Glasgow rivalry to catch up.

And what about our summer transfer activity? After months of speculation and frustration, will the club finally deliver the reinforcements Brendan Rodgers needs? The players required to ensure last season's European progress was no fluke, and to give us genuine belief in this campaign.

If, as many fear, this is Rodgers' final season at Celtic, he'll be determined to do everything in his power to ensure his legacy is fully restored after a less than favourable exit first time around.

Of course, football rarely adheres to neat timelines or fans' expectations. Injuries, late transfer bids, dips in form - these are the curveballs that make it all so unpredictable.

But perhaps that's part of what keeps us coming back for more.

By this time next week we could find ourselves in a position that even our most optimistic fans would bite your hand off for: leading the way on the pitch at home and abroad, stocked with the tools for another memorable season, and on the cusp of writing a new - perhaps final - chapter in Rodgers' Celtic story.

In football, as in life, nothing is guaranteed. But one thing is certain - the days ahead promise high drama, hope and the kind of week that doesn't come around all too often.

Strap yourselves in. This is exactly what we signed up for.

Tino can be found at The Celtic Exchange, external

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Celtic defender Liam Scales says the team are well aware "what's at stake" with Champions League qualification hanging in the balance.

Brendan Rodgers' side are in Kazakhstan for tonight's play-off second leg after being held to a goalless draw by a resilient Kairat side at home.

Participation in the league phase is worth around £40m, and Scales said: "Obviously it's where we want to be as players.

"You want to be playing at the highest level, and a lot of us have experienced that in the last couple of years, and that's where we want to be.

"We know what's at stake, and it's huge for us. We're fully focused on it.

"Every team at this level is going to be good. Kairat have got through a few rounds coming in that game by being robust, defending well and being hard to beat.

"So we knew what was expected, we just sort of didn't start the game the way we would have liked to, so I think that was it."

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Don Robertson will referee Sunday's first meeting of Rangers and Celtic this season at Ibrox (12:00 BST).

The whistler will be assisted by Daniel McFarlane and Chris Rae while Andrew Dallas will be the VAR, assisted by Calum Scott.

Robertson officiated Celtic's opening match of the season, the champions 1-0 defeat of St Mirren, and oversaw Rangers' home draw with Dundee.

Rangers sit on three points after draws in their opening three league fixtures while Celtic have a maximum nine points.

Both sides play midweek Champions League play-off fixtures before the derby, with Celtic away to Kairat tonight (agg 0-0) and Rangers in Belgium to face Club Brugge on Wednesday (agg 3-1 to Brugge).