With UEFA’s statement yesterday that the prize money for all European competitions will be increased, the motivation for Celtic to make the group stages of Europe’s premier competition has never been higher.
With a £14m payment guaranteed for the teams that make it to the group stage, the money that can then be earned for the teams that participate at that stage of the competition is just as eye watering.
With £2.5 million for a win and £800,000 for a draw, the potential to earn an extra £15m is also there and that is before we start talking about TV money and match day revenue.
One pundit that believes Celtic can make it to the cash rich phase of the competition is pundit Barry Ferguson. Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show, Ferguson said, “It’s an unbelievable some of money I have to be honest with you. That will be a great motivation for the players.
“I’m sure both Celtic and Rangers managers will be letting the players know that if they get through, which is going to be difficult, in the rounds before they get into the group stage.
“But it’s a massive amount of money that can go towards the transfer budget. So 14 million pound to get into the Group Stages is a great motivation for both clubs.
“They’ve both got difficult games in front of them. We know who Celtic are going to play.
“I do believe both teams have got enough quality to hopefully reach the Group Stages and it will be great for Scotland as a nation and great for the co-efficient as well.”
The jury amongst the Celtic fans is still out on whether or not their team can make the lucrative group phase of the competition solely because of the personnel required to make up the first team in crucial areas. But I’m sure that question will be answered in the coming days as Ange Postecoglou gets closer to revealing his first new signing.