Julien Stephan namechecks four important Celtic players

By Hamish Carton

September 18, 2019

Rennes boss Julien Stephan has shown off how knowledgeable he is about Celtic by listing four of our key players.

The Frenchman was speaking to press prior to tomorrow’s Europa League opener at Roazhon Park. Stephan gave Celtic the big billing by insisting that they could rival Lazio for top spot in Group E, while he also stated that the vocal Rennes home support could have a big role to play in Thursday night’s game.

“It’s a very big team with lots of experience at our level and with lots of international players,” he told press. (Daily Record)

(DAMIEN MEYER/AFP/Getty Images)

“They can play in the air and they are very technical, with Callum McGregor, Ryan Christie, James Forrest and Odsonne Edouard just to mention a few.

“I do believe that Celtic is also one of the favourites. As far as experience goes, for instance, they should be able to perform well, maybe just behind Lazio.

(Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)

“This is a well-balanced team. We know it’s going to be difficult but we are very lucky to be playing at home and the supporters are going to have a big role in a possible win.”

Stephan will have his side aware of Celtic counter attacks

It will be interesting to see how Rennes aim to guard against our counter attacks on Thursday evening. They must have studied footage of our recent wins at AIK and Rangers – where the majority of goals came from breaks.

The hosts are likely to have the majority of the possession but it will be interesting to see just how adventurous they play. They will be keen to win the match but it’s also easy to forget that they are third seeds in the group, and we are second.

(LOIC VENANCE/AFP/Getty Images)

A draw wouldn’t be absolutely disastrous for Stephan’s team by any means. Yes, it would probably favour us in the pursuit of the last 32 but it certainly wouldn’t rule them out.

But if they do want to come and win the match, and go for it, then we could have some joy picking them off on the counter. It’s something Stephan and his side will have to be very wary of.