Disclaimer: The title of this post is very much tongue in cheek.
There is still very much the potentiality for a title race in Scotland this season, despite the claims of Paddy Power. However, the culmination of the months of bravado from Govan, the formation of their Galactico-Brazil 1970-Harlem Globetrotters hybrid, the latest of their successive pre season titles...all really did make their opening day 1-0 loss to Kilmarnock hilarious.
It puts serious pressure on Michal Beale as he leads his side into a Champions League qualifier against Swiss side Servette tonight. Lose that tie and the hordes will be on his back at Ibrox, as well as the hierarchy of the club with the much needed financial incentive top tier European football brings.
Celtic have had their fair share of disastrous early season results in the past though, and they've turned it around enough to know that nothing is won at this early stage. The two victories in the space of a week against Athletic Bilbao and Ross County were full of positives but also shone a light on several areas of uncertainty.
The main one is the question of whether Reo Hatate's head is fully focused on the upcoming campaign. Against the Spaniard's he simultaneously displayed hallmarks of frustration and excitement. Although he gave the ball away for their opening goal and was generally lax in his overall play, he also contributed with a moment of magic on his weaker foot to level the game.
Whilst his laxness can be excused by pre season rustiness, the Japanese star was also benched on Saturday for David Turnbull. Dropping him last year was almost unthinkable so it does pose the question of whether Brendan Rodgers considers him to be all in for the task at hand. Fortunately, we will know one way or the other come the end of the transfer window in less than one months time.
similarly to the Bilbao game, Celtic made a relatively slow start against Ross County as they conceded a multitude of corners with Joe Hart also looking jittery to say the least. Against top quality opposition in Europe and even against the top 6 in Scotland Rodgers will know the backline will be punished if they continue to perform to the same standard. With the news that Carl Starfelt is chasing his tail to play in Spain It is comforting to hear that the manager is aware of the importance of solidifying the strength in depth of our defensive options.
The main positive aspect of both the Bilbao and County games was the strength in mentality and quality shown to come back into both games and assert a level of dominance, especially in the latter. Kyogo's movement on Saturday was sublime as usual and Matt O'Reilly continues to grow into a more complete number 8 game by game. The goal of the game came in the second half when the two combined with lighting quick movement and sharpness as the Danish international lashed a fantastic finish home to seal the win.
Any rustiness will need to be filtered out as we travel to Pittodrie on Sunday in what will most likely be our toughest away match outside of the Glasgow derby. This will be huge opportunity to send out a message to Rangers that there will be no let up to the relentless dominance that Celtic have inflicted on Scottish football during the 21st century. We will also start to see a natural progression of what Brendan Rodgers deems to be his strongest starting eleven throughout August with more signings a certainty.
In an ideal world, a top class goalkeeper is brought in, a high level left back and confirmation that Hatate will be staying. A Champions League ready left winger and another centre back (Swedish International Gustaf Lagerbielke is rumoured to be close) should hopefully leave Celtic on a strong footing both domestically and in Europe.