Brendan Rodgers’ champions would’ve started as favourites in all three domestic cup competitions this season regardless of what kind of close season they had, such was their superiority in the Premiership last season.
Granted, Aberdeen upset Celtic’s apple cart with victory on penalties in the Scottish Cup final in a match that was seemingly just one furlong too far for the holders after another gruelling season that involved 10 Champions League fixtures.
Benjamin Nygren and returning defender Kieran Tierney have been the most marquee signings so far with Nygren’s fellow winger Nicolas Kuhn the highest profile departure.
The club continue and will continue to be linked with players as the summer transfer deadline approaches on 1 September.
A visit by St Mirren on Sunday will bring a sense of deja vu, with Stephen Robinson’s side closing out last term at Celtic Park with a 1-1 draw.
Before too long, Rodgers’ thoughts will have to turn to a potentially season-defining Champions League play-off, the draw for which takes place on Monday. Basel and Sturm Graz are among the five potential opponents.
Pre-season has been busy and varied in terms of results. Wins over Queen’s Park, Cork City, Sporting and Newcastle have been offset by losses to Estrela da Amadora and Ajax and a draw with Al Ahli, with Celtic winning the penalty shootout that followed.
“The squad that we have currently is in a really good place,” Rodgers said after the Al Ahli match.
“The guys that are here have worked very, very hard but we need to improve this squad in general so I’m hopeful that we can do that over the coming weeks.”
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