Mario Hermoso has praised Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic ahead of an all-important Champions League tie against Atlético Madrid on Tuesday night.
Celtic and Atlético Madrid recorded a 2-2 draw at Parkhead last time out and Mario Hermoso admitted that his team have been ‘learning’ from the Bhoys – David Turnbull has been backed to start.
On two occasions, Celtic took the lead, only to walk away with just a point when the team probably deserved all three, just like the defeat to Lazio prior to that.
Either way, Mario Hermoso spoke about the difficult nature of facing up against the Celtic players and how they are ‘really complicated’ to mark, as he told his pre-match press conference.
From an attacking sense, the team were outstanding and it was set by the fact that they were on the front foot from the get-go and they set that positive tone.
Now, Brendan Rodgers will be wary that the coin might flip the other way because Atlético Madrid now understand what they are coming up against.
Atlético Madrid v Celtic
“We all know how demanding these games are, these group-stage games are extremely demanding,” said Hermoso.
“We know that. It was very difficult at Celtic Park. We hope to do better in front of our fans and get those three points we need.
“You always need to learn and try to correct things. You need to keep learning from your rivals. Celtic proved to be a very intense team having very vertical players. Players who were really complicated to mark and knew how to move between lines.
“So, it’s really important to start the game correctly because that sets the standard for the game. We need to improve on that tomorrow. They did very well when we faced them at Celtic Park. We need to turn that around and start really well. I am sure that will make a difference.”
Celtic earning respect in Champions League
On paper, Celtic might only have one point to their name, but the team have been deserving of more, even Diego Simeone understands that, with Rodgers reacting to his comments.
Scoring an early goal would be perfect, but the team might also have to understand that they might be under the cosh a fair bit.
It will be interesting to see how Rodgers decides to approach this game and if he will take Atlético Madrid head-on because Celtic have the attack to do so, as well as the strong form.
The players from Matt O’Riley to the super sub against Ross County, Luis Palma, didn’t have to start the previous game, so they are refreshed in that regard.
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