Bodo/Glimt have outlined how they’ll approach their visit to Parkhead tomorrow as they state they want to dominate possession and attack Celtic on their own turf.
The Hoops welcome the Norwegian champions to Paradise for tomorrow evening’s Europa Conference League last-32 clash. Ange Postecoglou will be itching to take a strong lead to Norway for the second left as we look to go on a deep run in Europe’s third-tier competition.
Ever since arriving at Celtic, Ange has stuck to one way of playing. He looks to boss potential and play a high-intensity, gung-ho style that constantly has the opposition on the back-foot. But it appears that Knutsen has his Bodo side doing the same, and he won’t be changing his style for the Celtic juggernaut tomorrow.
Knutsen has been speaking at his pre-match media conference for tomorrow night’s game, and it’s clear his plan is to be on the front foot for as much of the 90 minutes as is possible. As quoted by the Daily Record, Knutsen said: “It is important that we have a counter plan. Celtic want to dominate the game and we want to do the same. If we are really good at playing the press and dominate the game, we can give them problems.
“We have been in Spain for three and a half weeks and worked really well. We have a new team, we have sold four really good players, but that’s the way it is and this is typical Bodo/Glimt, so it is not a new situation for us. The new players need time, but four weeks is okay and I think and hope we are competitive. I am not sure, but I hope.
“We play football with high intensity and it is normal in Bodo/Glimt that we need more than four weeks to be ready to play football the way we want. I am pretty sure this team will be really good also this season, but this is the first real task. It is not easy to say.”
A game of many chances at Celtic Park?
These words from Knutsen will be music to Ange Postecoglou’s ears. And it’s clear his players back that all-out attack plan up too. Winger Amahl Pellegrino also outlined his side’s intentions to attack Celtic “just as we do in every match” [NRK].
Celtic have often struggled this season when up against packed defences. Our dropped Premiership points have mainly come against sides who have taken an ultra-defensive midset to games. Livingston and St Mirren being prime examples of that.
You have to appreciate Knutsen for not backing down and looking to stick to his principles. In a way, you can see strong similarities to Ange in that respect.
But they’re playing one almighty risky move in doing so. After all, Bodo’s approach is going to leave plenty of space in behind. Celtic will look to utilise the pace of Liel Abada and Jota as soon as they force turnovers in the midfield. If the Norwegians believe they can afford space behind their backline, they could be in for a shock.
Even so, this is what makes for a good game. We know Celtic will create and concede opportunities. That’s always the case in Europe given how we set up. But with the removal of the away-goal rule from European competition, it gives us extra room to manoeuver.
It’ll be interesting to see just how this one ends up tomorrow night. One thing’s for sure, it looks like it’s going to be a 100 miles-per-hour affair.
In other news, The interesting instruction Celtic boss has given Matt O’Riley; his old club rarely encouraged it
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