Albanian international Myrto Uzuni has labelled Celtic Park “awesome” after taking the trip to Parkhead with Ferencvaros in October.
Uzuni played for the second time at Parkhead in the 2-0 win for the Hoops a fortnight ago. He was also part of the Ferencvaros side that won 2-1 in front of an empty Celtic Park in last season’s UCL qualifiers.
Celtic have been boosted this season with the return of their supporters. Not least in Europe where they’ve produced fine displays against the likes of Jablonec, AZ Alkmaar, and Ferencvaros respectively.
And after experiencing the stadium packed to the rafters last month, Uzuni has reflected on the experience as he looked ahead to tomorrow’s rematch in Hungary.
As quoted by Nemzeti Sport, Uzuni said: “It wasn’t like every day. Fifty thousand Scottish fans created an awesome atmosphere in the arena. It was not easy to play in such an atmosphere.
“But in this respect, we are also spoiled (at Ferencvaros). Fradi’s supporters are similarly determined. I’m sure they’ll also expose themselves in our home game against Celtic. We are a good team, there is unity in the locker room and we all really want to get our first points in the group stage.
“In this respect, it will be an even more important match against Celtic than usual. There is no other choice, we have to win. We have a hard 90 minutes waiting for us, our attention cannot be missed for a single moment. We have to work together as a team. We have to play football smartly, tactically, then we can have a chance to win.”
Celtic Park leaves its mark on Myrto Uzuni, but Hoops can expect a different game tomorrow
No surprises that Celtic Park has left such a strong mark on Uzuni. It does that to most players who have the honour of stepping out into our famous old stadium on a European night. The truth is Uzuni should be thankful he managed to experience it.
Meanwhile, Ferencvaros’ Groupama Stadium holds 22,000. It’ll be interesting to see whether they pack the place out tomorrow night. Tickets remain up for sale, which suggests that won’t be the case.
Even so, Ferencvaros have still had vocal home crowds back them in Europe already this season. In the last match, a 3-1 loss to Real Betis, they were joined by a raucous atmosphere. The Hungarians certainly know how to crank up the noise levels themselves.
Celtic can expect a much more hostile and difficult atmosphere tomorrow night. It won’t be what we’re used to at Celtic Park, but it’ll be full of Ferencvaros fans who have placed real expectations on their team tomorrow. We have to be wary of the determination they’ll come out to play with.
Not that the Groupama has been a fortress this season of course. Ferencvaros have only managed 6 wins in 11 competitive games at their home ground this year. 4 have ended in defeat. So there will be big opportunities for the Hoops tomorrow.
Fingers crossed they take them when they arrive.
In other news, Exclusive: Scott McDonald thinks Ange Postecoglou doesn’t “really believe” in Celtic man Ismaila Soro
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