Celtic want to make home advantage count, AEK believe in positive result
Celtic are focused on making home advantage count in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round, but Super League winners AEK Athens believe in their own capabilities.
For the second consecutive season, Athenian giants AEK will participate in the Champions League third qualifying round, but they’ve learnt their lessons from last year’s defeat to CSKA Moscow. Early Tuesday morning, the Kitrinomavri travelled to Glasgow, where they held their maiden training session at the intimidating Celtic Park and put the final preparations in place for Wednesday’s battle.
In his press-conference, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers heaped praise on AEK and stated that it will be an excellent test for his team:
Opinions on the level of AEK: “Without doubt, AEK are a class above our previous opponents in the Champions League. They are champions of their country so they have a winning mentality. When I studied them, I noticed that they play with a 4-4-2 formation and are extremely dangerous on the counterattack. These two matches will be a rest test of our capabilities.”
The influence of the fans at Celtic Park: “Our fans are very important for us, they always cheer our players on and help us in every match. If we can win this match and go into the second leg with an advantage, we will be very happy.”
Expectations for the first match in Scotland: “When we play at home, we like to create problems for the opposing team. This will be a test for both clubs, we have done all of our preparation work beforehand. AEK are a very compact team which are tough to beat.”
Injury to Derrick Boyata: “At the moment, he is not at the required level, but he will play at the weekend and in the second game against AEK.”
AEK manager Marinos Ouzounidis expressed his regret at not having Petros Mantalos available, but he still thinks that his team can perform well:
Feelings on playing inside such an historic stadium: “This is a huge challenge for us and we are playing against a large opponent. We have dreams and goals. Tomorrow is a massive opportunity for us.”
On Celtic being named the favourites: “It makes sense for Celtic to be the favourites. Nevertheless, last year, we proved that we are a strong team who can play successfully in Europe. This season, we want to build on those achievements and improve.”
Absence of Petros Mantalos: “It’s a big loss for us, but sometimes, these situations occur. I think that the person playing in his position will do their all for this team, we all want to give Mantalos the opportunity to play at this level. We must prepare the best we can.”
Atmosphere inside Celtic Park: “If we start thinking about the fans and the atmosphere, we will have problems. We have to be focused on our own plan. In any case, my players have competed in such an atmosphere before.”
Nerves for AEK: “Over the past few years, AEK have made tremendous progress. The fact that we are here now is an impressive achievement in itself, I want my players to play without nerves and enjoy the occasion. They must give 100% to gain a positive result.”
Celtic’s qualities: “Celtic are a good team, they have had the same coach for three years. When Rosenborg scored against them, they continued playing their own football and this shows how much self-confidence them possess. They never give up.”
