Celtic midfielder David Turnbull has outlined the group stage aims for Ange Postecoglou’s side ahead of their Champions League opener tomorrow evening.
After five years away from the prestigious club competition, the Bhoys are preparing to make their long-awaited return under the lights at Paradise.
And Ange Postecoglou’s side are faced with the small matter of taking on the current Champions League holders, Real Madrid, to kick things off.
Alongside the Spanish giants, the Hoops have also been drawn to take on RB Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk in Group F.
Whilst it should prove to be a difficult task ahead for Postecoglou and his players, there is a belief that Celtic can pull off a shock within this group.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s opener, Celtic midfielder David Turnbull has opened up on how exciting an experience facing off against one of the biggest clubs in the world will be.
The 23-year-old also outlined the squad’s aims for the European campaign, as he insisted that the Bhoys will enter every game with attacking intent and giving it their best shot to pick up all three points.
He said [The Herald]: “It’ll be great to come across and up against them.
“I have watched them for years and admired how they play. I had a few Real Madrid kits. I got a few for my birthdays. I’ll be excited.”
He continued: “After the game, I think we might look back on it and think it was a great experience. Obviously, it’s a great game, one you grow up wanting to play in them.
“But going into it, we’ll treat it as another one and, like I said, just try to play our football.”
Finally, he stated: “We want to go there and give every game our best shot and try to get the results we need.
“If that was to qualify us through the group, that would be a massive achievement. It’ll be good to get it started on Tuesday and kick on from that.”
Celtic out to send shockwaves through Europe.
As the Pot four team in Group F, clubs from across Europe might not be expecting Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side to be up to much.
However, when you take a closer look, the Hoops are full of confidence and playing some incredible attacking football on the domestic front.
Of course, there is a huge difference between domestic levels and the Champions League. However, with the mentality the former Socceroos boss has installed within his players, they certainly won’t be fearing their opponents.
Real Madrid’s trip to Celtic Park couldn’t come at a better time for Celtic, who are coming in off the back of an emphatic 4-0 win over rivals Rangers.
No matter what the result is tomorrow evening, it should prove to be a fascinating Champions League group stage, with some exciting games to look forward to.
In other news, Celtic star handed Monday international boost ahead of Champions League group stage debut.
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