Brendan Rodgers declared Celtic were over their Champions League disappointment and ready to have a “real good go” at the Europa League ahead of their opener against Red Star Belgrade.
Celtic fans launched an organised campaign against several key board members after slow transfer activity contributed to their play-off failure against Kairat Almaty.
But the focus will be on football in the Serbian capital on Wednesday as two former European Cup winners clash in the Europa League.
When asked if Celtic had their sights set on “going deep” into the tournament, Rodgers said: “I think that that’s the plan for probably every team. But certainly for us, we want to have a real good go at this competition.
“In the Champions League last season, we were competitive, which is what we wanted to be.
“And likewise in this tournament we feel that we can, with the improvements that we will make as the season goes on, but obviously starting (Wednesday) night, we really want to push to do well. And we feel we can do.
“I know fans will look to the Champions League, but this competition can still give this club, and every club, really great moments.”
Rodgers was reminded that Celtic reached the 2003 UEFA Cup final after losing to Basel in the Champions League play-offs.
“We have to forget about the Champions League,” he said. “That’s gone. We can’t look back. It’s very much looking forward to the future and how we can improve on and off the pitch.
🎥 Europe awaits.
The Bhoys hit the road to begin their #UEL journey to Belgrade.#CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/56CaF0yCqO
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) September 23, 2025
“But on the pitch that team created some incredible memories for people in 2003. And that came off the back of a disappointment in not qualifying.
“So it’s going to be a great tournament, great games. I’m really looking forward to the coaching challenge within that, seeing the guys operate at this level. And we know that we can have a really good possibility this season to do really well.”
Rodgers had simple advice for his players when asked how they would deal with the anticipated raucous atmosphere at the Rajko Mitic Stadium. The ground is said to have the longest tunnel in Europe with a 240-metre walk from the dressing room to the arena.
“I’ve heard it’s about two minutes by the time you leave the stadium to get to the changing room,” Rodgers said. “So I’ll have to speak a bit quicker at half-time. But no, just embrace it.
“What an amazing occasion to come and play in a real historical stadium and everything that goes with that.
“You go and meet the challenge and whatever comes your way, you accept it and grow from it.
“I saw the England game here a few weeks back, so there’s a good atmosphere in the stadium. And it’s my first time to Serbia, so I’m really honoured to be here.
“It’s a club with an amazing history and we’re really looking forward to the opportunity to play here at the stadium.”
Anthony Ralston trained at Celtic Park before the squad flew out having returned to the group on Monday after missing two club games and Scotland’s World Cup qualifiers with a foot injury.
But Rodgers would not rule out keeping 19-year-old Colby Donovan in the right-back slot with Alistair Johnston still absent.
“It’s one of the things I really like about him as a young player, I think he has a big personality,” Rodgers said. “I’ve seen that over my few years that I’ve been at Celtic. I really like his mindset and his ability to not worry about making a mistake.
“He just has a real strong mentality to his game, and he’s improving physically. He’s understanding the football really well, and I’d have no hesitation in putting him in.”
