Celtic head into Thursday’s Europa League play-off against VfB Stuttgart on the back of three straight wins, and Paulo Bernardo believes the timing could help them steady a turbulent campaign.
Speaking to the Portuguese press, the midfielder reflected on Celtic’s recent form and admitted the 2025/26 season has not been straightforward, either collectively or personally.
“We come from three wins, we are in a good period,” Bernardo said. “They were hard-fought victories, but they are three points and that always gives confidence to the group. We are in a good moment to face Stuttgart. German teams are very competitive, they run a lot, so the game will not be easy. We play the first match at home, so that can give us a bit of an advantage.”
Bernardo on difficult spell and personal fight
Celtic have faced inconsistency this term, and Bernardo did not shy away from that. He admitted the squad suffered during the middle of the season but now feels there are signs of recovery.
“We suffered around the middle of the season, but we are managing to get back to our rhythm,” he stated. “Things have been going well and I think we are giving a good response after that more negative period. It has been a somewhat complicated season, but I have tried to fight as much as possible for my place and do what I did in previous seasons.”
The 24-year-old, formerly a Benfica player, also revealed he keeps a close eye on the Portuguese title race. However, his focus remains on Celtic’s European ambitions.
“I have been following, especially Benfica. This year it is tighter than in previous ones, and that is good. The league is competitive. At the moment, of the big three, they are the furthest behind, but it is Benfica and anything can happen,” he said.
Future left open as Celtic push on
Bernardo also admitted he remains open to a return to Portugal one day, though he avoided making any concrete suggestion about his future.
“I love Portugal. For me, living in Portugal is a privilege, so it can happen. I do not know what will happen, but I see it with good eyes and I do not close doors to anything,” he revealed.
For now, though, Celtic’s priority is Stuttgart. If they progress, Bernardo suggested he would slightly prefer a reunion with Braga over Porto, simply because of familiarity from this season.
Still, first comes the German test. After a complicated spell, Celtic will hope their recent wins mark the start of something more stable – and perhaps a longer European run.
