As defending league champions, they were now managed by Slovak coach Jozef Venglos following the resignation of Wim Jansen.

However, they finished runners-up behind Rangers this season and also lost to them in the Scottish Cup final.

Season 1998–99 saw Celtic finish second in the league six points behind winner Rangers.

[1] They reached the final of the Scottish Cup losing to Rangers,[2] the third round of the League Cup losing to Airdrieonians,[3] the second qualifying round of the Champions League[4] and the second round of the Uefa Cup losing to FC Zürich.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.