OPINION
Celtic midfielder Jonny Hayes vowed that the club would try and be a bit more prepared when it comes to playing in European competitions next season.
The Hoops crashed out of the Europa League after losing 1-0, 3-0 on aggregate, to Valencia on Thursday night and the 31-year-old midfielder shared that the club would aim to do better next time around.
“It is always enjoyable to be in Europe bit (but) a club this size we want to be even better,” said Hayes, as quoted by the Evening Times.
“We will concentrate on our domestic season and nest (next) time in Europe try to be a bit more prepared.”
While it’s understandable that Brendan Rodgers’ side are going to concentrate on their domestic campaign now they’re out of Europe, Hayes’ remarks are so uninspiring that they will cause many Celtic fans to roll their eyes.
Hoops supporters have waited patiently for their side to fare better in European competitions – under Rodgers they have never really wowed in the Champions League or the Europa League.
It was previously understandable that Rodgers needed time to build a squad capable of racking up honours in Scotland as well as one that could have some memorable nights in Europe.
Yet even though Rodgers has been in charge of the Hoops since May 2016, the club haven’t made progress in Europe and if anything look like they’re going backwards regarding their ambitions.
Given that Hayes isn’t even confident enough to say the club will do better, it’s not exactly telling Celtic fans to be hopeful.
In fact the midfielder’s wording even carries the implication that he believes the Hoops weren’t prepared enough when it came to European competitions this season, and that should be a red flag.
After years of having the same manager in place, and experience in Europe, the Hoops should have been more than ready to make a splash one way or another Europe.
Also with Hayes’ remarks hardly suggesting that scenario will develop next season, it’ll be a surprise if anyone has been filled with confidence after his comments.