Romanian champions CFR Cluj haven’t exactly gone from strength to strength since inflicting a first (and only) defeat of the season on Neil Lennon’s Celtic.
When the Romanians rolled into Glasgow in early August and knocked four goals past Scott Bain you felt they were on to something good. They had a shot at Champions League football and a very promising start to the season to kick on from.
However, it hasn’t really happened for Dan Petrescu’s side. The 4-3 win in Glasgow is still one of their high points this season, perhaps only eclipsed by the Europa League matchday one win over Lazio.
That result showed that they are no mugs. But the truth is that their form since Glasgow has left a lot to be desired.
Cluj form should give Celtic cause for optimism
They bowed out of the Champions League with a bit of a whimper to Slavia Prague. Cluj managed just five shots on target over 180 minutes as the Czech outfit saw them off 2-0 aggregate without really breaking sweat.
They were also surprisingly knocked out of the Romanian Cup by Botosani – albeit on penalties – while their league form has seen them win three, draw one and lose one of their most recent five matches.
They still sit town of the table but it’s only by two points ahead of their trip to third placed Viitorul Constanta on Sunday. That clash may be weighing on their minds as they prepare for Glasgow on Thursday night, but they’ve shown in the past that they like to place an emphasis on European football.
It is on the UEFA stage where Petrescu has produced some of his finest work. He is a master tactician, both on and off the park, and Celtic must be ready to put them in their place on Thursday.
The team must give them all the respect in the world with regards to preparation. But when that whistle blows we should be keen to put them in their place. If we play to the best of our ability we will win the match. It’s as simple as that.
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