Copenhagen left-back Pierre Bengtsson believes the timing of the winter break in Denmark suits Celtic, ahead of the Europa League tie between the sides, reports the Daily Record.
Unlike Celtic, who have been back in action for almost a month now, Copenhagen have just returned from the Danish winter break, having played one game, a 1-0 loss to Esbjerg on Friday night.
Bengtsson feels that the timing of the winter break has handed the Hoops an advantage for the tie.
“You have a better rhythm”
“When you’re in the middle of your season, you have a better rhythm, just like Celtic now. We’re just back after the winter break, and we’re trying to find that. That break makes it tougher for us and Celtic have that as an advantage” he said, as quoted by the Daily Record.
There is no doubt that returning from the winter break in January has been a boost to Celtic. The Hoops have won every game they have played in all competitions since the break.
Probably Hoops’ toughest test after winter break
However, the Copenhagen fixture will probably be the toughest game yet. Despite Copenhagen’s recent loss to Esbjerg, you have to imagine that they will be a cut above the teams that the Hoops have played in Scotland since returning from the winter break.
However, if Celtic are on their game, the Hoops should still be good enough to get a result in Denmark, to take over to the second leg in Glasgow next Thursday.
Neil Lennon won’t be taking a good result in Copenhagen for granted, but the Hoops do look in a good place to make progress to the last 16 of the tournament.
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