Celtic v Bayer Leverkusen: “In Glasgow we deserved to win but it wasn’t really a four goal difference between the two teams”, Gerardo Seoane
Ahead of tonight’s crucial Europa League Group G match against Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, our opponent’s manager, Gerardo Seoane, has claimed that Celtic have made improvements since the teams last met and that the game in Glasgow flattered the German side.
Celtic had opened with some excellent patterns of play in the opening gambit of the game in September, but just couldn’t get their noses in front. This was punished severely by Bayer who were in an unforgiving mood that night at Celtic Park – firing four past Joe Hart and the Celtic defence in the end up. Seoane has remarked that he has seen two improvements in the way that Ange and his team set-up and play. Reported by Daily Record, he said: “Celtic have to go out and attack because in the last two games they need to get results.
“That could mean that we have more space. But we have to make sure we are organised and defend well, but also have possession so we can control the game. They have shown in recent games they are keen to play on the front foot all the time. But I think every team needs a balance of attack and defence. Every coach has their own way of doing things and you can clearly see the way Celtic are approaching their games. They are good in attack so we will need to keep it far tighter than we did in Glasgow. They are definitely better organised in defence and also in their pressing.”
The South American says that heading into the game against a side who ran them far closer than the 4-0 reverse fixture suggests – with key players missing – is slightly worrying. He said: “In Glasgow we deserved to win but it wasn’t really a four goal difference between the two teams. I think we were very determined in our finishing and took our chances. Celtic produced good moves but didn’t score. One thing that has changed is we’ve had to adapt our approach. We’ve faced many challenges since then both in personnel times and on the pitch. But it’s positive for us to find solutions to those challenges.
“Obviously we want to get players back as soon as possible and we have to act with the medical department in making decisions. But we will field the best team we can and also try to produce the best performance we can. I don’t think it’s good to hold back and hold on to what you’ve got. We want to play on the front foot and take more chances and improve all over.”
Celtic must look to use this rare opportunity to try and earn a famous win on German soil. Leverkusen are considerably weaker and inconsistent at the moment. Plus, our team is full of confidence currently and must impose their game on the depleted Bundesliga giants this evening. Time to pile on the agony Bhoys!
Paul Gillespie
