Neil Lennon is in the dark about how Spartak Moscow will approach Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Celtic.
The Russian side appear to be in chaos but Lennon is too streetwise to be fooled into thinking that Celtic are in for anything other than a very demanding night.
After three home defeats on the bounce Spartak will probably be glad to get away from the Luzhniki Stadium
Spartak face an important league match against Rubin Kazan after meeting Celtic with the trip to Glasgow unlikely to be coach Valery Karpin’s priority.
“There are stories coming out about indiscipline and lack of team spirit, whether they’re true or not,” Lennon stated. “That comes from the results but they’re a good side. An excellent side.
“As a team, they’re a bit more flamboyant than Benfica who are more pragmatic and maybe better defensively. There’s a bit more flair and pace in this Spartak team although they do throw caution to the wind sometimes and leave themselves open.
“I think we have to be careful attacking-wise because Russian teams historically are excellent on the counter attack. They’ve got a lot of flair in the team and in [Emmanuel] Emenike they’ve got a goalscorer. [Emenike scored twice against Celtic in Moscow]. At the back, though, I don’t think it’s their strongest area.”
Lennon added: “They’re a dangerous team. Having watched them in Benfica they were unlucky not to get something out of the game. They created three or four decent chances and had they scored they would have won the game, so they’re no mugs.
“We have to make sure our set-up is right and play with the intensity we can, but make sure we’re mindful of our discipline in defence as well.”
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Don’t hang back waiting to see what Spartak team turns up before deciding your game plan.Hit them hard from the off. Roll with the thunder and rattle their cage. If ever an early goal could unnerve a team, it is now, in the Parkhead cauldron. A total rout will demoralise Benfica when the score filters through to the Camp Nou. Don’t let it be our team with the jitters Lenny, Set the team to get tore in.
Agreed!!!
Barcabuster should be giving the team talk – that gave me shivers, by the way. Get it right up them
What Spartak do is totally irrelevant, it’s what WE do that matters. Set the tone from the first whistle and don’t let up until the final whistle.
We can’t influence the Benfica game, all we can do is our very best
I’m glad they did sack the manager, as I feel Spartak under previous coach would have been better set-up for counter attacking away games than chasing a home result.
We have to stretch them and press them at every opportunity.
I agree to an extent Willie, but we will have a massive influence on the Benfica game. Benfica can either keep it tight and play for a draw. Which I believe they are capable of against a weakened Barca team, who will not see a draw as a disgrace. Hearing we have taken a lead, will force Benfica too open up, leaving them vulnerable, as Barca will not contemplate a home defeat in any circumstances. Table toppers or not. Giving Benfica the opportunity to sit in, will be handing them the advantage. The evenings results are inter-connected and will play a huge part in decision making as the games progress. Lenny should keep the advantage and chase an early goal. Therefore dictating tactics over both games. However, having said that, I will take last 16 in any shape or form. HH ,
We should hit them hard early we need to score early if the game progresses n we haven’t scored then the team and fans will be anxious n that will give Spartak a chance of snatching a goal which could be very heartbreaking as I expect benfica to go for the draw and hope we mess it up at home.so a early goal or 2 would mess up their plans.should have done the damage in Lisbon anyways worst performance of Europe so far hopefully the last bad 1
Barcabuster had us the week before the nou camp in a bar all fired up for the big one , tactics – team – the whole shebang !
And that was us only half pissed!
Had them beat before closing time , and then
We scored 20 mins at NouCamp !
Give him the job !