Slovan Bratislava assistant coach Boris Kitka has spoken to Slovakian media about manager Vladimir Weiss Sr missing out on recent matches as they prepare to face Celtic.
Weiss Sr was not on the bench for a cup victory away to AC Nitra through the week and also missed out on their dramatic late Superliga win against Dunajska Streda on Saturday night.
Kitka has taken charge of both matches and is in regular contact with his boss, but it’s far from an ideal situation for them as they prepare to enter the Champions League group phase for the first time in their history.
Slovan Bratislava boss suffering with illness ahead of Celtic
Kitka said on media duties this weekend [Sport]: “Vlado has had a pretty bad virus for the last few days, almost since the beginning of the week. We hope that he will get better as soon as possible. He has been unwell for the last three to four days, he had a high temperature and the weather is not ideal either, he stayed at home.”
Asked if he would make the trip to Glasgow, Kitka was hopeful, continuing: “I believe so. We communicate every day, his health has not been good. The thing is that we have a string of tough games, travelling. The team will need him. I believe that maybe tomorrow or Monday he will be among us.”
Celtic won’t be taking anything for granted
It’s important to remember that Weiss is a very experienced manager and has been in charge of his club for over three years. Let’s not forget he was in charge as Artmedia upset Celtic in 2005, too.
Despite apparent issues in the build-up Celtic can’t and won’t take anything for granted here. Weiss Sr will have his side well marshalled and he has a trusted coach on the bench even if he doesn’t make it to Scotland.
Slovan Bratislava came through a gauntlet of four qualifying ties this summer to earn their spot at this stage of the tournament and won’t be turning up at Celtic Park to roll over.
Nonetheless, Celtic are favourites to win for a reason and must assert their authority in the match early on.
There’s nothing to fear here and a bit of player confidence will go a long way to securing an opening night victory. It could be a special evening.
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