Livingston goalkeeper Max Stryjek has admitted he’s been left blown away by Celtic Park after his recent visits there.
The Polish shot-stopper managed to secure his second consecutive clean sheet in Glasgow and 3rd in 4 games against the Hoops. However, it was also his first time playing in front of a packed Parkhead after supporters were banned from attending football matches due to Covid last season.
His arrival on Saturday coincided with a silent protest by the Celtic support after the appointment of police chief Bernard Higgins as security consultant.
However, he’s been left raving with the Parkhead atmosphere after previously coming to watch the Bhoys in action against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League too.
As quoted by the Scottish Sun, Stryjek said: “I was here with a friend to watch them against Bayer Leverkusen this season and the atmosphere was unbelievable. It was so loud and I was thinking, ‘I would love to play here’. When I got here I was thinking it was going to be really hard with 60,000 shouting and singing.
“But as the game started and for the first 30 minutes I realised there was no singing and it was very quiet. I didn’t know why but then I heard later there was a protest. Then it all started getting very loud after 30 minutes and it was great. I really enjoyed it.
“We play football for days like these. We silenced them again at the end, but that’s part of the game. How can you not enjoy playing in a beautiful stadium like this? What can be better for a footballer?”
Max Stryjek frustrates Celtic once more
Not for the first time, Livingston goalkeeper Stryjek left Parkhead with a clean sheet to his name. However, he’ll likely never have a more basic afternoon than what he had to deal with on Saturday.
Granted, he frustrated Celtic once again with his late penalty stop. He did well to read the effort from Giorgos Giakoumakis and managed to clutch onto the ball at the same time. It was a big moment and one the Hoops are left ruing after an abysmal weekend results-wise.
However, what’s disappointing is that the penalty effort was 1 of only 2 efforts on target all game. In no way is that acceptable for Celtic Football Club against anyone, let alone Livingston at Parkhead.
The Livingston record is becoming absolutely ridiculous. Celtic have still to register a win against David Martindale in 4 attempts. In 3 of those matches we’ve failed to even score a goal. With 2 coming at Celtic Park, it leaves you seriously scratching your head.
Stryjek will come away with the plaudits for his penalty stop of course. However, let’s be honest, you could’ve placed a monkey in goals on Saturday and Livingston still would’ve come away with a clean sheet. That’s just the nature of how we performed on the day.
Hopefully, it’s something the Hoops can rectify as we look ahead to another big month.
In other news, Celtic centre-back Carl Starfelt expecting to be out for a couple of weeks
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