Kenny Dalglish reckons Celtic can turn the tide on their UEFA Champions League form this Wednesday with a win at home to Lazio.
The Bhoys lost on matchday one away to Feyenoord but this week’s fixture at Paradise promises to be quite the occasion.
There’s real hope that Brendan Rodgers can bring back a touch of magic in Europe and deliver a result against a team currently struggling in Serie A.
Dalglish is certainly expectant and reckons Celtic should have no fear coming up against Maurizio Sarri’s side, despite their second-place finish in the Italian top-flight last term.
The Celtic and Liverpool legend said [Sunday Post, 01/10 print edition]: “Celtic didn’t win a Champions League game last season and lost this campaign’s opener to Feyenoord last month. A victory is long overdue – and I expect them to get it on Wednesday at home to Lazio.
“The Italian side will be good and will present danger to the Hoops. In Maurizio Sarri they have an outstanding coach and Ciro Immobile is a striker who can score in any company. They have struggled in Serie A and have not recorded too many wins. Indeed, it is their worst start to a domestic season in two decades.
“So, they will be dangerous and they will travel to Glasgow feeling they can win. However, Celtic must show no fear. With the greatest of respect to Lazio, they are not in the very top tier of club sides. They are not near the level of Real Madrid or Manchester City. That’s why I can see Celtic starting to change the tide of their results at home in the Champions League.
“Brendan Rodgers and his players will have the benefit of almost 60,000 supporters willing them on. I feel Celtic will dominate possession and control the tempo. Lazio will allow them the ball and it’s up to the Hoops to get into areas that will hurt the Italians. I’m expecting positive things from Celtic and a win will put them right into the mix. Wednesday night can be a springboard for them to reach their goal of finishing in at least third place in their group.”
It’s a bullish take from the former European champion. It’s perhaps more positive than many Celtic fans will be in the build-up. We’ve been burned a little too often in UEFA competitions recently – the support will be eager to see evidence of progress on the pitch.
Still, anything can happen. Lazio are indeed struggling right now and there’s even a possibility key players such as Ciro Immobile not making the starting line-up.
There’s no denying it will take a massive effort from the Bhoys. Despite Saturday’s morale-boosting win, it’ll take a better performance than the one we witnessed in Motherwell. But why not dream? We are at the start of this journey after all.
In other news, Kenny Miller buries his head in the sand with Michael Beale, Celtic and Rangers assessment.
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