Celtic's Champions League hopes hang in the balance after a frustrating goalless draw with Kairat Almaty at Parkhead. The result leaves the Scottish champions facing a daunting 7,000-mile journey to Kazakhstan for next Tuesday's second leg in the £40 million qualification shoot-out.
Frustrated Celtic fans made their feelings clear during the match, chanting "sack the board" as their anger over the club's sluggish summer transfer window boiled over. The supporters' fury targeted Parkhead decision-makers ahead of what represents a crucial European qualification battle.
Brendan Rodgers responded candidly to the fan criticism, warning that managers usually pay the price when supporters turn on the boardroom. "I don't know any board that gets sacked, it's usually the manager," Rodgers told TNT Sports after the match. "At any club I ever see it's the manager that gets sacked, not the board."
Transfer frustrations mount
The Celtic boss has made no secret of his desire for reinforcements throughout the summer, particularly in attack. Tensions have been building as Rodgers repeatedly emphasised his need for quality additions to compete at Champions League level.
"The guys at the top end of the pitch are giving their all, but like I have said many times - to progress at this level, we need to have more - it's as simple as that," Rodgers explained. "But, we won't have that for Tuesday."
The match marked Rodgers' 800th game as a manager, according to Daily Mail reports. Celtic's attacking struggles were evident as their centre-forwards have failed to score in four competitive games this season.
Injury concerns compound problems
Celtic's task in Kazakhstan became more challenging after Alistair Johnston suffered a hamstring injury that required him to be stretchered off. Anthony Ralston replaced the injured defender in what became a difficult evening for team selection.
The match also saw significant tactical changes at halftime, with Yang Hyun-jun replacing Adam Idah and Daizen Maeda moving to centre-forward. Captain Callum McGregor admitted the fan unrest filtered onto the pitch but insisted it didn't increase player anxiety.
Difficult journey ahead
The Hoops now face a quick turnaround with Livingston visiting Celtic Park on Saturday before the mammoth journey to Central Asia. Rodgers described the upcoming schedule as presenting "a mammoth journey" that he hopes "ends with the Champions League league phase."
Kairat proved resolute opponents despite their lower profile, with their defensive organisation frustrating Celtic throughout. The Kazakhstan side featured 17-year-old Dastan Satpaev, who has already agreed to move to Chelsea when he turns 18.
Sources used: "Daily Record", "Daily Mail", "The Scotsman", "The Guardian" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
