The countdown to another blockbuster European night under the lights is officially ON.
Bayern Munich come calling to Glasgow on Wednesday night to face Celtic in the first leg of the Champions League play-off round between the two sides. The Bundesliga giants are already focussing on the trip after dumping Werder Bremen 3-0 on Friday night with Harry Kane bagging a penalty double. For Brendan Rodgers and Co, it’s the Scottish Cup before minds drift to the superstars of Bavaria.
However, while the players will be sending the classic ‘next game is the most important message’ that doesn’t stop the fans, ex-pros and those in the Munich camp to start talking about the upcoming tie. This will be Celtic’s THIRD game against German opposition in the competition after that bruising 7-1 loss in Dortmund before dumping RB Leipzig 3-1 at Parkhead. 7 leading names associated with both clubs have delivered their views ahead of game one in the two-legged tie.
Lothar Matthaus
“I am sure that Bayern will not let anything go wrong, especially as the return match is in Munich. Glasgow [Celtic] lost 7-1 in Dortmund, but beat Leipzig 3-1 at home. Those are the two Celtic faces.”
“They need to be more stable at the back and make better use of their numerous scoring opportunities up front. That is the main shortcoming,”
Harry Kane
“I have never played at Celtic Park. But I’ve heard a lot about the great atmosphere. It will be a challenging game for us. I’m on a good run with scoring penalties. But a miss can happen – it’s happened before. I have various options that I can use when I am taking a penalty.”
Vincent Kompany
“You started so well by saying ‘every game is a big game’, so you have basically given the answer. I don’t think you win as much as we have won so far if you make too much distinction.
“I think you have to raise your level, always. But I think that is consistent, throughout the season. The opponents we play against, we are looking forward to it. It is a team who wants big challenges, it is a great opportunity.”
Chris Sutton
“Cameron Carter-Vickers will be vital to cope with his old Spurs teammate Harry Kane, for a start. There’s no doubt the England captain will be the major danger. Everyone knows he’s a lethal finisher, but he’s a clever player who can drop dead and drag defenders all over the place. Kane’s also not shy when it comes to hitting the deck in the penalty area too, something Celtic will need to be mindful about.
“It could be a tough night and I didn’t quite see the Villa Park display as tight a contest as some. Celtic did well to get back in the game but it really could have ended up five or six on the night. That’s a worry for the Bayern game but they should perhaps look to Villa’s display when they beat the Germans earlier in the competition.
“They were compact and resolute at the back, they sucked Bayern in and then hit them on the break. That might be the way to get a result this week to take to the Allianz Arena for the second leg. But I can’t shake the feeling Celtic have made it an even harder task by failing to deliver in the January window.”
Joshua Kimmich
“Now we’ll take care of ourselves a bit and then look forward to the game. It will be a very decisive, very special week for us.”
Aleksandar Pavlovic
” Everyone is looking forward to the atmosphere in Glasgow. But I’m not intimidated.”
Herbet Hainer – Bayern Munich President
“It’s a good feeling to travel to Glasgow and then to Leverkusen. I am firmly convinced that the team knows what is important. The victories give us courage and self-confidence for the games in Glasgow and Leverkusen.”