Cluj goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis says it is a pleasure to play at Celtic Park in front of the “wonderful” Celtic supporters.
The 31-year-old Lithuanian shot-stopper was one of the Cluj men booked for time wasting as his side inflicted the only defeat of the season so far on Neil Lennon’s side. He shipped four goals over the two matches against the Hoops but still came out on top thanks to his own team’s scoring ability.
Now, as he prepares for his return to Glasgow, he has been reminiscing about that night and detailing how Thursday’s clash will differ in terms of pressure.
“It was a crazy game,” Arlauskis told FourFourTwo. “There was a big pressure on us because we wanted to qualify.
“Now we are more relaxed, to enjoy it because the pressure is not so big but the target is the same, to win the game and we hope we can do that.
“They are tough, it is not easy to play here in this wonderful stadium and wonderful supporters but it is a pleasure at the same time.”
Celtic must be wary of Cluj counter-attack
There is definitely less pressure on tonight’s game for both sides, just due to the group stage nature of the match. However, the last Celtic Park clash wasn’t exactly cagey. Both teams showed that they could hurt each other going forward so it will be interesting to see if Thursday’s clash mirrors that one.
Both Celtic and Cluj seem to be at their best on the counter-attack. Both sides possess real pace and good finishing going forward so it may be a game of cat and mouse at Parkhead.
Being the home team we’re likely to enjoy the majority of the possession but we can’t afford to go all out as that may play into the visitor’s hands. We have to be wary of Cluj, but at the same time, show them little respect once the match begins. It’s time for revenge.
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