Spartak Moscow have been sending out mixed messages ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash with Celtic.
After an impressive, put pointless, display against Barcelona coach Unai Emery realises that three pints tonight are essential for their qualification hopes.
Hard luck stories don’t equate to points with the Spanish coach wary of the expectations on his side following their narrow defeat in the Nou Camp.
“This match is very important for us,” Emery admitted. After the defeat by Barcelona we need to produce the same kind of brilliant performance at home, but take all three points. We knew it would be hard to win in Barcelona. Now we need to win, and we will fight for it.
“Celtic are used to winning ? not just in their league, but also in European matches. They are a young team with a few experienced players. They play very hard and aggressively, so we need to get used to the intensity and see where we can outperform them.
“We have been working on the players’ psychological state, not just their physical condition, to ensure they are ready to come into the team in case of injuries. We’ve got important matches coming up ? in the Champions League and against CSKA Moskva in the championship ? and our work has been designed to ensure everyone is prepared.
“As far as [Evgeni] Makeev, [Nicolas] Pareja, [Marek] Suchý and [Kirill] Kombarov are concerned, we still have time to make decisions. We have a lot of games in a short period of time. The main thing is that [Aiden] McGeady is fit.”
Emery’s respect is in contrast to the opinion of his clubs supporters. Before the group started Video Celt’s international correspondent Paul Morgan sought out the views of supporters of Celtic’s three Champions League opponents.
While Barcelona and Benfica supporters respected Celtic the view from Sem of Spartak was dismissive of Celtic’s chances.
About the draw Sem said: “Any team in Pot 1 was going to be tough and Barcelona are probably the best of them, but there was no real weak team. Benfica are a good team and had a strong year last time. They will give us a good game. No disrespect but I do not think Celtic will concern the other teams too much. They have not done anything in years and we have improved a lot from our last meeting. “
Following matchday one his views haven’t changed, looking to tonight’s match he said: ”For us to go to Barcelona and play well and lose the way we lost is disappointing. Before the game we did not expect a win, but still not a good feeling after. We can be happy with the way we played and I do not think Barcelona are as good this year. Maybe we beat them in Moscow.
“Celtic – Benfica was a bad game for football. No excitement. Benfica played not to lose but you could not even make their goalkeeper save. Not good for you, this was your easiest game. Maybe it has been a while since you were in the Champions League, but you have to win at home. Benfica will be happy.
“What I hope is for Spartak now is to win and Barcelona to win. What will happen is Spartak will win and Barcelona will win. Barcelona are too good to make a mistake this early in the group. Benfica might draw but it is unlikely.
“As for our game, do you really think you might win? Why? You could not trouble Benfica in your home game, you will not trouble us. How can you beat us if you do not score? How can you score if you do not have shots at goal? All we need is one goal and we get three points, but I think we will score two goals or three.”
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If we try to sit in and give Spartak the initiative then we will lose. We HAVE to take the game to them, they are poor defensively, don’t react well to being under pressure at home, crowd gets ajitated. We CAN score if we press them back then keep the tempo high.
It will certainly be good news if Welliton is missing, although they have another good striker…but this game will be won in midfield, take control and run the game. Drive at their defenders at every opportunity.
I wasn’t overly impressed by their loss in the Camp Nou, 2 breakaway goals but still let in 3. Very eary in the season for Barcelona to hit top form. 3 points here would put us in a great position. We should really push the boat out and go for it or else the chance will be gone.
Williebhoy,
Whilst i respect your opinion i must disagree with your view we must go at them. Benfica came to Parkhead not to loose and it worked. I feel we must do the same in Moscow. Sorry, but a point away from home would be good i would park the bus and frustrate them, and with Sammy back in the team we just might get a chance to score and sneak it.Ledley Kayal and Wanyama would all start for me. My selection would be.
Forster
Lustig Wilson Ambrose Izzy
Commons Wanyama Ledley Kayal
Samaras Hooper
Williebhoy……I see where your coming from and at times in the past I’ve wanted that line up but wishful thinkin ma man….u and I both know Broony will (always) start. Plus his experience might go far tonight….Kayal, Forrest and Miku will come on I reckon if all goes to plan. Possibly Wilson or Abrose depending who starts if we need to shut up shop.
HH Bud
our easiest game will be against spartak at home, benfica wil probablyl place second
No shots no goals….he has a point, but lets hope his arrogance and complacency will be their weakness. 3 man central mid-field of Joey, Victor & Broony will be necessary imo with Sammy, Hoops and Commons…no starting place for Forrest for me but a nice sub in the last 20-30 mins. No Matthews I believe so Izzy, Chuck, Ambrose must start and Lustig I guess. K. Wilson doesn’t deserve to be on the bench but Efe all day since we need Chuck for set-pieces.
Good luck the Hoops, lets ram it into this over confident pr!ck!! HH
Forster
Lustig Ambrose Mulgrew Izzy
Wanyama
Brown Ledley
Commons Samaras
Hooper
Thats how I hope and I think they’ll line up tonight bhoys HH 1NL YNWA
for a team with a very poor home record, he is very confident , wouldnt be supprised if the game was a draw.
I cant see Brown being risked tonight, with his hip on a plastic pitch, no way. A strong midfield with Wanyama, Ledley and Kayal will be key, with forrest and Sammy running the channels. But then leaves out our best player this season in commons… do we leave hooper on the bench and play sammy up tops alone???
Sem ahahahahahahahahahahahahaha round ye
I’ll admit after the Samaras goal I did think of our Spartak ‘friend’. Hope he’s reading this while eating his humble pie!
Hail Hail!