Excitement is building ahead of Celtic’s clash against Slovan Bratislava tonight, and Vladimir Weiss has laid down the gauntlet to his side ahead of their Champions League opener.
The reigning Slovak champions travelled to Glasgow after overcoming rivals Dunajska Streda last weekend despite the hosts being awarded a late penalty, which was missed.
Some have billed Celtic as favourites ahead of tonight’s encounter. However, Slovan Bratislava saw off the champions of North Macedonia, Slovenia, Cyprus, and Denmark in qualifying, illustrating why they shouldn’t be taken for granted.
Brendan Rodgers has clarified that his side won’t be taking any chances. Meanwhile, veteran winger Vladimir Weiss, once of the Bhoys’ rivals, has claimed his side can take something on matchday one to bolster their chances of progression.
Now, his father and manager of Slovan Bratislava has spoken out ahead of kick-off regarding the message he has sent to his players concerning how to claim a result.
Slovan Bratislava boss eyeing Celtic upset in Glasgow
Speaking ahead of the clash, Slovan Bratislava boss Vladimir Weiss Sr has urged his side to maintain ‘discipline’ despite playing in what will be unique atmosphere at Celtic Park. He also elaborated on how the Bhoys have evolved under Rodgers.
Weiss explained, firstly referencing Artemia Bratislava’s famous victory over Celtic in 2005, which he was in charge of [Herald]: “That was a long time ago. Of course, there are nice memories and nobody will take them away from you. But now we are up against a different Celtic.
“They play a different style of football to 19 years ago. Brendan has a different type of football here, very fast. But we are capable of doing that as well. We will put in our best performance.”
Later, he added: “We know what we can expect. We have players who have played here and they know about the atmosphere. Many other players have said that this is really the best atmosphere in the world you can experience. But I think we have enough experience not to give in to that atmosphere, not to make mistakes.
“Of course, we know that most of the game we will be under pressure. Because obviously, just like we get the energy and emotions from our fans, Celtic will get their energy from their fans. So you have to have the self-confidence, but also the discipline.”
Celtic need to bring the noise against Slovan Bratislava
You can guarantee that the Celtic support will raise the decibel levels tonight in Glasgow’s east end, creating an environment for their side to kick on and show why they belong in Europe’s premier competition.
The Bhoys have a long history of success stories in the Champions League. However, there has been a lack of a feel-good factor in recent years, which they have a brilliant chance to change with three points against the Slovak champions.
Rodgers’ men have already shown a swagger and confidence in their opening six domestic victories, while have conceded just once across all competitions. They have every reason to be optimistic, but it will be tempered due to the importance of getting off to a winning start tonight.
Hopefully, Celtic can put on a performance worthy of achieving that feat, providing a major lift ahead of tougher league phase tests to come.
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