Brendan Rodgers knows no Scottish Premiership title is secured after the first game, but says Celtic managed a "critical" step after thrashing Kilmarnock on Sunday.
Reo Hatate, Liam Scales, Nicolas Kuhn and Anthony Ralston were all on target as the Scottish champions hammered their visitors 4-0 at Celtic Park.
Celtic have won their league opener in 16 of the last 17 seasons, losing the other 2-1 away to Hearts in 2021, though Rodgers acknowledged this is just the start for the Hoops.
"I thought we were very connected, some of our passing and the speed of our game was very good," the Celtic manager told BBC Scotland.
"Defensively we were very strong, the first goal came from that counter press. I have to be so pleased for the first game of the season.
"Being at the top of the league at the end of the season is what's important but the first steps are critical and we made a really good step today."
Matt O'Riley continues to draw attention from Premier League clubs, as well as Serie A's Atalanta, as the Celtic midfielder's future remains uncertain.
The Denmark international assisted Scales' header in the first half against Kilmarnock, reminding potential suitors of his quality with transfer speculation continuing.
Rodgers is focused on adding to his Celtic squad, though, as he aims to build a side capable of competing in the Champions League and Scotland's top division.
"Currently our focus is very much the players that are here but naturally we want to improve the squad," Rodgers added.
"It's our duty to do that for the players and we'll speak about that. I will never say anything that I've not spoken to my bosses about.
"We want to take the club forward, we know the challenges that we have on every front and for that we want to improve the squad. Hopefully, we can get in the players that can help us kick on this season.
"I'd love to have more tools to have a go at the Champions League, that's one of our big goals this season. We want to get into the play-off phases and for that, we want to improve the squad."
Veliz joins Espanyol on loan from Tottenham
Alejo Veliz has completed a loan move from Tottenham to Espanyol, the La Liga club confirmed on Wednesday.
Veliz, who has made eight appearances for Spurs since signing from Rosario Central in 2023, joins Espanyol on a season-long deal.
The 20-year-old was limited to 45 minutes of action under Ange Postecoglou last campaign, scoring his first goal in a 4-2 defeat to Brighton in December.
Veliz joined Sevilla for the second half of the 2023-24 season, but again struggled for game time and played six times in La Liga, totalling to 31 minutes.
Espanyol won promotion from the Segunda Division last season after beating Real Oviedo in the promotion play-offs.
Manolo Gonzalez is aiming to bolster his attacking options following the loss of top scorer Martin Braithwaite, who completed a permanent move to Brazilian side Gremio last month.
Feliz joins Espanyol on loan from Tottenham
Alejo Veliz has completed a loan move from Tottenham to Espanyol, the La Liga club confirmed on Wednesday.
Veliz, who has made eight appearances for Spurs since signing from Rosario Central in 2023, joins Espanyol on a season-long deal.
The 20-year-old was limited to 45 minutes of action under Ange Postecoglou last campaign, scoring his first goal in a 4-2 defeat to Brighton in December.
Veliz joined Sevilla for the second half of the 2023-24 season, but again struggled for game time and played six times in La Liga, totalling to 31 minutes.
Espanyol won promotion from the Segunda Division last season after beating Real Oviedo in the promotion play-offs.
Manolo Gonzalez is aiming to bolster his attacking options following the loss of top scorer Martin Braithwaite, who completed a permanent move to Brazilian side Gremio last month.
Ream completes MLS switch to Charlotte from Fulham
Charlotte FC have bolstered their defensive ranks with the arrival of Fulham defender Tim Ream on a free transfer.
Ream, who spent nine years at Craven Cottage, has signed a two-year deal and returns to the United States 13 years after joining Bolton from the New York Red Bulls.
The 36-year-old made 312 appearances for Fulham, more than any other player in the 21st century apart from captain Tom Cairney (325), ranking 25th on the all-time list.
During his time with the Cottagers, Ream won promotion to the Premier League on three occasions, twice via the play-offs, with the other seeing Fulham crowned as champions during the 2021-22 season.
Ream helped Fulham to a 13th place finish last year, keeping three clean sheets in his 18 outings.
“I’m really excited to join Charlotte FC and return to the US for this next chapter of my career,” said Ream.
“In all my conversations with the people around the club, it was clear this organisation and city were the right places for my family and I to continue our journey.
"I’m here to win, and I’m looking forward to getting to know the team as we prepare for a key stretch of matches that will propel us toward the playoffs as we fight for our first trophy.”
Ream will link up with former Aston Villa head coach Dean Smith in Charlotte and will be eligible for the club's next MLS fixture against former side NYRB on August 24.
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