‘Celtic are fast, intense and dynamic,’ Valencia boss

VALENCIA coach Marcelino last night admitted that there is a genuine concern in the Spanish camp that they could get turned over by Celtic in the Europa League.

The full Valencia pre-match press conference from Celtic Park last night featuring the coach and also Valencia star Kevin Gameiro, sporting a cracking black eye, is below…

Marcelino pointed to the quality in The Celtic squad and pin-pointed the players he sees as the biggest threat to his side. He selected skipper Scott Brown, winger James Forrest and striker Odsonne Edouard as key men for the Hoops and noted with some relief that KT isn’t going to play – tonight at least!

“We know Celtic have an injured player who’s been very important in Kieran Tierney.

“But the likes of Forrest, Edouard and Brown are all very good players. They have a lot of very good players and as a team they work very well.

“They also have a very good manager and an attacking philosophy. I anticipate in the future a lot of these players will play at a very high level.”

Maybe someone will tell Marcelino after his side gets beaten that the level the Celtic players are playing at at the moment is pretty high already!

The Valencia manager is clearly looking forward to his side’s chance to play in our very special footballing arena.

“We’re very excited. It’s important we start well in this game.

“We have a lot of injuries, so it will be difficult and we’re playing against a really good Celtic team.

“We know they are very difficult to play against, especially at home, and they got through from the group stage ahead of some very good teams.

“From the information I have, it will be a spectacular atmosphere, so we’re excited. I had an important match at Anfield and I think it will be similar, if not better.

“It’s something all footballers want to experience, these types of atmospheres. Obviously facing the team will be very difficult, but with the support they have, it will be even more difficult.

“Celtic are fast, intense and dynamic. They play vertical football with their passing, they are intense with and without the ball and they are physical.

“We are going to try and be equally as intense and try to keep our rhythm. Hopefully, when we don’t have the ball, our strong points will help too.

“We will use our experiences and spirit to win. Our intention is always to win, but we have a lot of players out and it’s going to be very difficult.

“Knockout matches are always hard, so let’s say it won’t be easy. We will have to perform to our very best to get through.”

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About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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