‘Either Celtic will be superior or it will be a magical night for us,’ AIK Captain

RIKARD NORLING, the AIK Stockholm manager reckons that there is nothing for him to gain from considering how Dan Pretrescu’s Cluj side managed to score four times against Neil Lennon’s Celtic side at Paradise in the Champions League qualifier.

His side had their chance to hurt Celtic in Paradise but were unable to lay a glove on the Scottish Champions and were rather fortunate to get away with just a 2-0 defeat. That though gives Norling some hope. The tie is far from over and if his side can get an early goal tomorrow evening then it really could be game-on for the Swedes.

Today’s AIK press conference was broadcast live on Facebook and Norling was asked if he has spotted any weaknesses in the Celtic side that his player can exploit.

“If I said no to that it would be terrible. There is always something that you think that you can use,” the AIK boss said, as he thought back to that 2-0 defeat last week.

“We’ve analysed that game thoroughly and we have some ideas how to attack this time.

“We can’t be naïve because we’re facing a very good side with very good individual skills, especially in the transitions. We need to be clever.

“Cluj scored four goals in Glasgow and we didn’t. But we’re not playing the same way and I don’t think I have anything to get from their game against Cluj at all.

“It’s all about us. Celtic did not play Cluj here at the Friends Arena. They are playing us here on our own pitch.

“It’s important that it is on our home pitch and that gives us an advantage. How big an advantage will be shown by the result.

“But there is definitely power here to start from.”

The AIK skipper Henok Goitom also participated in today’s conference, and as reported by FourFourTwo he reckons his earlier experience in reaching the group stages back in 2012 can stand him in good stead against Celtic.

“We were in the Europa League group stage seven years ago and I’ve told the squad how magical it is for a club like AIK to reach that far,” Goitom said.

“We don’t go to the Europa League or the Champions League too often. But when you do you can actually change your career dramatically.

“The way the scenario is with Celtic, there is nothing left for us but to go all in and do our best.

“Of course we need to do it with smartness and a lot of passion too.

“But if we can go to the group stages I think it will changes things dramatically for the players and the club. There is a lot at stake and our future would be much brighter if we can qualify.

“There’s more opportunity than pressure for us right now. We have nothing to lose. I can see two scenarios – either Celtic will be superior or it will be a magical night for us.”

Celtic have arrived in Stockholm and there will be a press conference coming up shortly from the Friends Arena where Neil Lennon will address the media…

Also on The Celtic Star…

‘We’ve Won the League Again, Fly the Flag,’ Celtic’s Exhilarating 1980/81 Rollercoaster Season…see HERE.

Celtic sign right back Moritz Bauer on season long loan deal, with option to buy…see HERE.

Rogic’s Return but for the Socceroos not Celtic…see HERE.

Fall Guy? The Celtic Noise asks, is Neil Lennon carrying the can?…see HERE.

Flag Warning! Willo Flood had a Transfer Window named after him and a League title was lost…see HERE.

‘Turning point for Billy McNeill’s Centenary Celts,’ If you know the history – Celtic at birth, 50 & 100: August 1988…see HERE.

David Potter on Tangled Up in Blue, Stephen O’Donnell on Rangers’ attempts to Conquer Europe…see HERE.

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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