Barcelona give their Celtic view

This week I will be publishing the views of our opposition fans as well breaking down each team as best I can. Today we start with Pot 1 team FC Barcelona. Below is the views of long time Barca fan Ibrahim Ayyub who contributes to the Miami Penya Barcelona Supporters Club and has his own blog at http://ibes16.blogspot.com/. A big thank you to Ibrahim for sharing his views.

1) What do you think about your opponents the group?

I think the draw was alright for us Cules. It definitely won’t be an easy group but it could have been worse; just ask Madrid fans. The nice thing about this group is that there is history with all three clubs. Celtic knocked out Barça
out of the UEFA Cup during the first year of the revival and this is the third time we get Celtic in the group stages and the city seems to enjoy having the Hoops fans come to visit Barcelona and there seems to be a special bond between the two clubs.

We’ve also faced Benfica before with the club losing their first European final to them back in the day and in the knockout stages a few years ago. They also have former Barça B player, Nolito, on the team but the recent transfers of Javi Garcia, Witsel along with former Barça player Saviola and the loan of Nélson Oliveira might make them less formidable especially if their center back Luisão might be suspended because of his incident with a referee during a friendly. Nevertheless, they are still a team not to underestimate.

Last time Barça faced Spartak Moscow was back in 93-94. I don’t follow the Russian league that much but Spartak is managed by Unai Emery who did well for himself in La Liga but could not meet the expectations of the Valencia fans and I think he could have done more with them. Spartak have some familiar names on their roster such as Jurado, Källström, de Zeeuw and a certain Aiden McGeady.

The only negative in this draw is playing this club away in Russia in November but hopefully qualification has been achieved before the fifth group stage match. For Barça, Emery was always tough to beat at home during his Valencia days. Fortunately for your club your away match is in October.

The only negative in this draw is playing this club away in Russia in November but hopefully qualification has been achieved before the fifth group stage match. For Barça, Emery was always tough to beat at home during his Valencia days. Fortunately for your club, your away match is in October.

2) How do you feel about getting Celtic from pot 4?

It sure beats getting Dortmund. However, I think it’s always a plus when you face a team you have faced before. The travel arrangement and accommodations won’t be new and they have played at Celtic Park before.

I know it won’t be easy though. We only need to look at their previous encounters to know that Celtic won’t be some pushovers. I recall some tight games and I expect it to be the same even some of my Celtic buddies think otherwise.

I know it won’t be easy though. We only need to look at their previous encounters to know that Celtic won’t be some pushovers. I recall some tight games and I expect it to be the same even though some of my Celtic buddies think otherwise.

3) We know who your star players are, tell us about one player we
might not have heard of.

One? Is it alright if I mention three? Martin Montoya, a young player at the right back position that is the heir apparent to Dani Alves while Marc Bartra is a young center back waiting for his moment. Another one is Gerard Deulofeu who is a diamond in the rough. He’s only 18 but I can’t wait to see him up front someday with Messi and it’s possible that he will make his debut in the Champions League for sure.

4)Who do you think is Celtics star/best player?

That’s a toughie because I don’t really follow Celtic and catch the odd Old Firm here and there. I did catch the last 15 minutes of the St. Johnstone game and was surprised by what I saw. However, I would say Commons but I hear good things about Gary Hooper.

5) With Pep Guardiola stepping down, do you think it will affect
Barcelona performances?

I don’t think his absence will be missed in terms of performance on the pitch but more likely off the pitch. We will see how Tito Vilanova handles the media and the pressure as the season goes on. These guys have been playing together for such a long time so I don’t expect the style to be different especially under Tito.

6) How do you predict the group will finish? first, second, third,
fourth

Yikes. I expect Barça to finish first but you never know. Manchester United got eliminated from the group stages twice in the last six years so anything is possible. I can’t predict because you never know with injuries but I’ll say Barça first, but all other three teams have a shot at advancing. Benfica have been weakened but still have a good team and I expect them to finish second with Spartak and Celtic fighting for the Europa League spot. Celtic’s performances in the league have been surprising but still expect them to give Barça a tough time.

Celtic’s performances in the league have been surprising but still expect them to give Barça a tough time.

7) Who will win the Celtic – Barca games?

Based on the schedule of the fixtures, I expect Barça to win at home and probably draw away in Glasgow. Barça need to find their rhythm which was lacking prior to this international break. They need to start hitting all cylinders or this could become a difficult group for them. 

Tomorrow, the view from Spartak Moscow.

CLICK HERE for Samaras quotes come back to haunt Celtic

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