‘We will not be dazzled by Celtic,’ Suspended AIK striker, ‘they lost four goals at home to Cluj and the Scottish league is not so good’

SOME AIK STOCKHOLM players have been discussing their trip to Glasgow in the Europa League Play-off round on Thursday night. It may be the Consolation Cup for both sides but it is now their only hope of playing European football this season and for either the Champions of Sweden or Champions of Scotland that particular opportunity will slam shut in Stockholm next Thursday.

AIK Norwegian striker Tarik Elyounoussi reckons AIK have nothing to worry about playing at Celtic Park. Celtic he noted, lost four goals to Cluj last week and you would think that AIK would have thought they’d be playing the Romanians this week and not the Scottish side. If Cluj can do it though then why can’t AIK?

“Of course Celtic have a lot of experience in Europe, but they have not been so good in recent years.

“We will not be dazzled by Celtic. When you hear the name Celtic, you think they are a big team but they lost four goals at home to Cluj and the Scottish league is not so good.

“We won’t be intimidated either by playing in their large stadium. We are all looking forward to facing them,” Elyounoussi said to the Swedish media, as reported by The Herald.

The AIK captain, Henok Goitom, still hurting from his side’s own set-back – they suffered a shock defeat to Kalmar in the Swedish league at the weekend, reckons that AIK go into the tie very much as the underdogs.

“Yes, Celtic are favourites because they win their league all the time and have experience in playing in the Champions League.

“We will be underdogs. But if they want to reach the Group Stages of the Europa League, they have to beat us first.

“I’ll be honest and say I’ve not seen Celtic yet. That’s not me being cocky, it’s just that I haven’t had the time to look at them. But if you ask me on Wednesday, I will know them very well indeed.

“Our defeat in the league might actually be a good thing. Maybe it’s good we got a punch in the face before we play Celtic.”

Yellow means AIK’s 17 goal striker Elyounoussi is suspended for trip to Celtic

Tarik Elyounoussi can talk all he wants but he is suspended for the match as Celtic Park so will have to wait to the return match in Stockholm to face the Scottish Champions – see HERE.

Also on The Celtic Star…

Apparently ‘Europe is Massive,’ says Celtic Star – Meling, Afolabi and Dembele…see HERE.

‘If we want good men rather than yes men then Lawwell has to make way,’ Niall J…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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