Celtic win would save Champions League rival’s job as coach analyses Dinamo Zagreb chances

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Celtic could be facing Dinamo Zagreb at the ideal time in the Champions League next week.

Manager Nenad Bjelica is under serious pressure with the club sitting third in their domestic division with seven points separating them from leaders Hajduk Split.

It has been a rough time for Bjelica, albeit his side have performed admirably in the European competition and still sit within the knockout playoff rounds alongside the Hoops.

Some Croatian pundits have called for Bjelica to be binned by his club but no decision has yet to be taken by the boardroom who are considering their options.

• READ MORE: Celtic await potential Champions League boost as rival boss on sack brink

And when Brendan Rodgers takes his squad to Zagreb next week, he could well do so in what could potentially transpire to be Bjelica’s last stand.

According to countryman Zeljko Sopic – formerly manager of Rijeka and Gorica – Bjelica DOES have it in him to find the winning formula against Celtic should he be given the opportunity beyond this weekend.

And with Celts currently three spots ahead of the Croatian giants in the Champions League standings for this season, Sopic believes a win over the Parkhead club would be the exact sort of result that could save anyone’s job.

Nenad Bjelica is under pressure with Dinamo Zagreb ahead of their Celtic clash

Sopic refused to rule out a Zagreb victory on Tuesday, December 10, but he did admit that they would have to take a chance in the competition tactically unlike one they would be able to take domestically.

And that, for Bjelica, could be the difference maker.

“I’m not one of those who thinks that coaches should be changed and that the new broom sweeps better,” Sopic told VecernjiTV.

“But the situation is not great, and the last three games will show in which direction it is going. I wouldn’t be surprised if Dinamo beats Celtic, but also all three games in the championship.

Zeljko Sopic has his say on Bjelica’s chances of beating Celtic

“Because, one game could change everything? Of course.

“With the fact that Dinamo must play diametrically opposite in the Champions League, they can withdraw and play on the counter, while they cannot afford it in Koprivnica, but must go deep.

“An objective Croatian public would say that Dinamo must win it with older pioneers. But it’s not quite like that. Especially the objective public?”