MORITZ BAUER last season used his contacts in the game to source tickets for some of the biggest games in European football. Now though he’s determined to have a starring role himself and believes that Celtic has what it takes to make an impact in the Europa League.
Last night showed just how unforgiving European football can be. Tottenham, last year’s Champions League finalists, receivers of over £100m in TV revenue ( Celtic get, what £3million), were at home to Bayern Munich. It was said that the Germans were a fading power, and confidence was high that Spurs would pick up the three points. They even took the lead, then lost 7-2. At home.
The English media gloated in Celtic’s misfortune when losing 7 away to Barcelona a few years ago. Perhaps they’ll be a little more understanding now.
7 – @FCBayernEN scored 7 goals in a @ChampionsLeague away match for the 2nd time, they did so in October 2014 before (7-1-win at @OfficialASRoma). SevenUp. #TOTFCB pic.twitter.com/q1CIR6RyzO
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) October 1, 2019
Bauer watched Barcelona have their own Champions League disaster last season at Anfield.
“Last season, because I had such a good contact with Xherdan Shaqiri, I was often at Anfield to watch Champions League nights,” the Celtic defender said to the media, as reported by Daily Record.
“I was at THAT Barcelona match and it was great. They were quite down after losing the first game 3-0 but they did it. And to be honest I was really blessed because I’m also friends with Dusan Tadic from Ajax so I watched both semi-finals and the final.
“It was like all my Christmases and birthdays came at once. I got tickets for all the games because I had friends in all these teams so it was really interesting.
“It gives you a taste for it and you want to get that with Celtic. To play in Europe is a great thing and I can’t wait to experience a European night at Parkhead but we also want to be successful domestically.
“I played in the playoff round in the Europa League and Champions League for Grasshopper – we played Lyon, Fiorentina, Lille and Brugge.
“It would have been great to qualify for the group stage and we were close. I could smell the atmosphere of European nights.
“We have the squad to do well in Europe and we have more variety in the squad with the players we have added. There is a lot of balance which helps because we have six games in three weeks so we will use all the squad.”
Celtic signed Bauer for a season long loan from Stoke City and have an option to buy. So far so good on that front from both player and club. He was the second right back signed in the summer, after the arrival of Hatem Ebd Elhamed, who has also impressed.
Bauer is clearly impressed by his new team-mate. “Hatem arrived with a slight injury but played a fantastic game in the derby against (the) Rangers. He did a terrific job when needed.
“We’re different characters and maybe I can add more attacking football while he’s a great defender. We have a lot of games in the next three weeks and will need every player.
“We have to be focused on all competitions. There is no point losing in the league and winning in Europe. It will be different tactics for every game and it’s up to the gaffer how he wants to play with the full backs and that was probably the thinking of the board and the manager when they signed me.
“I’m very happy to be here and the competition should be good because you won’t let your standard drop. I can learn from Hatem and he’s an international so we’ll make each other better.
“I try to adapt and I enjoy being part of a good group and I’m lucky to speak different languages. I can understand the jokes but the Scottish accent is one I have to get the hang of. Scott Brown is a very funny guy and an iconic figure in this club.
“He has some more years on his CV and more titles and I look forward to learning from him.”
