Bolingoli is backing Hoops to now have a huge season in Europe
Boli Bolingoli believes Celtic can reach at least the Europa League semi-finals this season.
After a shaky start, the £3 million summer buy from Rapid Vienna has impressed with some bold performances at left back – most notably in the derby win over Rangers.
And, as he looked ahead to Thursday night’s game away to Rennes in the group stage opener, he revealed his new club have made a similar impact on him.
“I can’t wait to start this group because I believe with Celtic we can do something in the Europa League. I think we can go very far,” said Bolingoli.
“I have a lot of experience in this competition, with my old clubs Club Brugge and Rapid Vienna, and when I look back and compare, it makes me think we can do well.
“I have this feeling because we have so much quality.
“Celtic is not a team that goes to the Europa League just to be there, to do nothing. Celtic is a big club and we want to represent the name of this football club in the Europa League.
“We want to go far and at least try to win something. This is why I think we can do something.”
Bolingoli has little difficulty recalling his personal highlight in the competition, which came back in 2015 when he was still a teenager.
“I scored two goals with Club Brugge in the last 16 tie against Besiktas in Istanbul,” he said.
“That was my first experience at that level, and I have nice memories.
“That is my best moment in European football because we had a really good season.
“We were No.1 in the league and, in general, we were playing very well.
“We went to the last eight of the Europa League, and it was a nice experience.
“I was a winger back then, although sometimes I played left-back. It’s nice to be versatile.
“Being in Turkey, it was a nice atmosphere!
“With Club Brugge and Rapid Vienna, the Europa League gave me a nice experience.
“And now with Celtic, we can do much better than that. This is why I am looking forward to it starting. It is going to be a great season for us.”
That, Bolingoli admits, didn’t look the case on his arrival when he was criticised by sections of the Celtic support after a couple of jittery performances.
“Let’s just say that in the beginning, it was not easy to adapt,” said the Belgian with a smile.
“But we stayed strong and it’s getting better and better.
“My confidence is coming, and I am enjoying being on the pitch even more.
“We are doing well at the moment, and hopefully we continue to do that over the season.”
While sharing his player’s confidence about the campaign ahead, Celtic manager Neil Lennon warns the size of the task faced in France this week should not be underestimated.
“It is going to be a really good test for us,” said the
Irishman.
“This is the first game in the group, it is away and Rennes are a good side. We’ll have to be at our best to get something out of it.
“We’ve done some work on them already. They beat PSG, and I know they lost to Nice in their last game but technically they are a good side.
“They have a 16-year-old in their midfield, Eduardo Camavinga, who looks a super player. So some of the talent they produce themselves.
“Rennes have had some really good players over the years, and they seem to be having a little bit of a renaissance.
“At the same, we have the makings of a really good side ourselves.
“The club has a bit of a French connection what with Odsonne Edouard, Oliver Ntcham, and Christopher Jullien in our squad.
“I think they like going back. I think it means a lot to them and they are world champions, so they are very proud. “To see their families is great for them, mentally, as well. They will be keen to make an impact in the game, and that can hopefully be a factor in our favour.”