<\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
However, the main attraction tonight will be the supporters, as Celtic Park is sold out as there is a move toward normality after the worst of the pandemic appears to be behind us.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
It will be a memorable occasion, and an emotional one.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
There will be a minutes silence for those no longer with us, and for a crowd that is noted for its raw emotion, that may prove to be a little, well, emotional.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Whilst glasgow rivals “rangers ” aren’t overly comfortable playing in front of their support, Celtic positively thrive on it, and it’s little wonder that Jablonec manager, Petr Rada, is a little peturbed at the prospect of facing a passionate Celtic Park atmosphere.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Shortly after the first game, he said;<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The tie is now all about our players not being too frightened next week.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
“If you don’t play European football every season and have played a season without any fans and suddenly 60,000 supporters come to your match, it’s not going to be easy.<\/em><\/p>\n“The prospect is giving me even more wrinkles on my head.\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
“Celtic fans are famous, they sell their stadium out for every match. It will be hell.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
This puts me in mind of the time another little known Czech side, Suduva , came to Glasgow and spent an hour and a half gawping at the ground, and finding themselves on the end of a proper skelping.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Whilst Celtic are ahead in the tie, it’s important that our players aren;t doing the gawping tonight. Another confidence building win, and perhaps more importantly, the security of European football until Christmas await the winners.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
I’d say that was probably the first target for the new boss when he sat down amongst the ruins of last season…..<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The second target would have been to gather around him a squad of players prepared to give their all for the team. That might well mean that Oddsone Edoaurd will be on his way, which would not entitely surprise us.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Of the Frenchman, Ange said:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
I think you are in right in saying that is a club concern rather than my concern right now. I\u2019m not concerned at all. If it means he stays here and contributes then so be it, but again that is stuff that I am not really spending too much time thinking about.<\/em><\/p>\nI have been at pains to say that there are certain things that are out of my control that I\u2019m just not going to waste time during this period anyway, where it is really hectic, thinking about it.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\nMy total focus is getting the team ready for these games, playing our football which is not easy and needs a lot of attention from me and the staff, and also working on bringing players in.\u00a0I have left outgoings totally to other people, that\u2019s other people\u2019s concerns.<\/em><\/p>\nYou are probably right, there is a concern there around cashing him in, but those are probably questions for other people.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
It seems Ange gives as much of a toss whether or not Edouard stays as the Frenchman himself gives on the pitch….<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Replacements are in the pipeline for anyone who wants out, and there’s still a few weeks to get things done. That means Celtic will hold out for as much as they can get for thise who want to go, and will do the usual haggling over newcomers.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Then again, bearing in mind the swashbuckling total football of late, will prospective Celts look at the team and wonder if they’ll get into it ?<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Desi mond has found that events over on the other side of the river have been discussed on a European tv channel…..<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n