Celtic heading in right direction but we’re not there yet

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The Celtic Star

·25 juillet 2025

Celtic heading in right direction but we’re not there yet

Celtic’s 5-1 defeat to Ajax in the Como Cup may have been a pre-season fixture, but this tale of two halves certainly delivered some hard truths — with an encouraging start and an alarming finish against a technically impressive Ajax side…

The Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium ahead of the Como Cup match between Ajax and Celtic FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 24, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

While the scoreline certainly stung, it was the second-half collapse, not just the result, that’s left many fans questioning the squad’s depth and readiness ahead of the new season. But to paint the entire performance as a disaster would be simplistic and, frankly, unfair.

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Celtic began the match with purpose and intensity, pressing high, forcing errors, and carving out chances. The opening 45 minutes featured some lovely slick interplay, brave forward play, and real composure in spells. In short it was an enjoyable watch as both teams played their part.

Rodgers’ system showed signs of promise

Rodgers’ system showed signs of promise — and we deservedly equalised with a sharp counter-attacking goal. In truth, we should have gone in at the break in front and we forced Ajax into tactical changes in that first half, particularly in their press, as we played through them with genuine patience and class. That certainly shouldn’t be forgotten amid the frustration that followed.

Unfortunately, the second half told a different story entirely. Whether down to heavy legs from a demanding pre-season schedule, or simply the quality of Ajax’s rotations, and substitutions, Celtic’s shape worryingly disintegrated.

That second 45 was disappointing, exposing concerns about depth, composure, and game management against top-level opposition. Defensively, gaps opened up, the midfield lost its ability to compete, substitutes couldn’t stem the tide – indeed they appeared to weaken us further – and Ajax punished the lapses in intensity with four unanswered goals.

The Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium ahead of the Como Cup match between Ajax and Celtic FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 24, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

It was without doubt a sobering collapse

It was without doubt a sobering collapse — especially for those of us who viewed this match as an ideal Champions League dress rehearsal.

The result also reignited fan frustrations around recruitment. With competitive European fixtures looming, key areas still feel understrength in terms of both depth and quality, there also remains an imbalance in the squad when it comes to creative types outside the first XI.

To their credit, Rodgers’ side have shown clear signs of progress elsewhere this summer. A 2-0 win over Sporting and an emphatic 4-0 victory against Newcastle showed a Celtic team that can dominate when intensity and execution align.

Viewed in isolation, the second half in Como was a poor 45 minutes but certainly not a defining statement on the pre-season as a whole.

There’s no denying that the second-half collapse was concerning

Celtic FC coach Brendan Rodgers looks on before the Como Cup match between Ajax and Celtic FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 24, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

There’s no denying that the second-half collapse was concerning — not just for the scoreline, but for what it revealed about our current vulnerabilities. The lack of impact from the bench, the defensive frailties under pressure, and the evident need for more quality in key areas are all issues that can’t be ignored, especially with Champions League qualifiers on the horizon.

But equally, it’s important not to lose sight of the bigger picture. The first-half display was among the best Celtic have produced this pre-season — intelligent, composed, and brave in possession against a top-class opponent. Add that to impressive results against Newcastle and Sporting Lisbon, and it’s clear there is a foundation being built.

This was a setback, yes but is certainly not a signal of crisis. However, it’s also a reminder that the margins at elite level are slim — and if we want to compete consistently, both at home and in Europe, the club must act decisively to strengthen this squad for the manager over the coming days and weeks.

Yes, it’s still July, so no, it’s certainly not time to panic. But Celtic’s collapse after a strong opening half was also a wee bit too familiar to ignore. The positives — energy, structure, and attacking ambition — offered some solace. But consistency and depth remain alarmingly key concerns.

Raul Moro of Ajax competes for the ball with Anthony Ralston of Celtic FC during the Como Cup match between Ajax and Celtic FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 24, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

If the first half in Como showed us what Celtic can be, the second half showed why we’re not there yet.

Niall J

Read this – The backstory to Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter

Thank you to everyone who has already pre-ordered the late David Potter’s last ever Celtic book, Celtic in the Eighties, which will be published on the fifth day of September by Celtic Star Books. The link to pre-order your copy is below…

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, out 5 September 2025. Available to pre-order now.