Celtic icon Lubo Moravcik is excited to see the Bhoys take on Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League and has told his old club what to expect from the Slovak champions.
Taking the long route, Bratislava progressed from the first qualifying round of the competition to make the league phase for the first time in their history, defeating Struga, Celje, APOEL and FC Midtjylland along the way.
Completing quite the achievement, Vladimir Weiss also has his side at the top of the Slovak Super Liga with 12 points from their opening five fixtures. Nevertheless, an unexpected 5-0 home defeat against MSK Zilina created an early shock, though they retaliated with a 5-0 triumph against AC Nitra in the Slovak Cup.
Weiss takes his men to face Dunajska Streda tomorrow in their final instalment of domestic action before the Champions League begins in earnest. Speaking ahead of Celtic’s home tie against Bratislava, club icon Moravcik has told supporters what to expect from the visitors.
Lubo Moravcik on what Celtic can expect next Wednesday
Per The Daily Record, Moravcik has shed light on what Bratislava could offer against Celtic, claiming they have a chance of taking a result in Glasgow due to the ‘attractive’ football they play under Weiss.
He stated: “I have my fingers crossed for Slovan Bratislava for every game they play…except when they play against Celtic! I will have to be neutral there as Celtic are in my heart. I think Slovan have a chance against Celtic. My old club have some excellent players, but they are not world class players, like they play for a top team in England for example.
“So Slovan has a chance. They just have to have a good day as they did when they beat FC Midtjylland. And I do think they will be very good at home and can surprise European teams there. I can understand why people have compared Vladimir Weiss with Dr Jo Venglos. Although I have to say that Venglos was a globally recognised manager.
“Vladimir Weiss is definitely the best Slovakian manager of recent times. I know he follows coaching methods he picked up from Venglos. They are still very useful to him today. He is also very patient, he has built up a team everywhere he has been. And also, this is probably the first time a Slovakian team have been known for playing attractive football. That is probably Weiss’ biggest strength.”
Celtic won’t underestimate the task ahead of them
Seeing off Heart of Midlothian comes first this weekend, but it is impossible not to look ahead to the task that awaits the Bhoys on the continental stage next Wednesday.
Raising the Champions League curtain at Celtic Park, there is a unique sense of anticipation as Brendan Rodgers looks to smash through the glass ceiling that has loomed over the club in Europe for many years.
There is a feeling that this time could be different. Nevertheless, Bratislava arrive as domestic champions and won’t be pushovers. They are here on merit, and Celtic will treat them that way.
On what is set to be a brilliant occasion on home soul, the Bhoys have it in their grasp to make a rousing start in the league phase.
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