Dr Jo Venglos is delighted to see Celtic in today’s Champions League draw.
Venglos first match in charge of Celtic was an inauspicious 0-0 draw at home to St Pat’s in 1998 with that season’s Champions League ‘campaign’ ending abruptly with a 3-0 defeat away to Marc Viduka’s Croatia Zagreb.
In those days the Champions League group stages was a pipedream for the club as they looked on from afar or across the city as Rangers were regularly turned over by clubs like Auxerre and Grasshoppers.
This morning Celtic will sit at the top table in Nyon among the elite of the game with Venglos never doubting that the club would reach the current heights.
“I knew after those two games (against Zagreb) that Celtic did belong in the Champions League,” he recalled. “Even though it wasn’t a great experience for my players.
“Everything about the club is built towards playing at this level every season. The atmosphere and noise in the first leg against Zagreb was incredible. I’ve never heard anything like that.
“I was new to the job but I knew then that the Celtic fans were the best in the world. Since those two games, Celtic have had many successful seasons in the Champions League.
“They have regularly played in the group stages and reached the last 16. But I knew in 1998 that it was only a matter of time before that happened.
“Celtic always will be an asset to the Champions League. Their passion and tradition is known throughout Europe.”
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Well said Josef! We are indeed where we belong..the tournament has got to have the greatest football club/culture on the planet. And thank you for giving us the one and only Lubomir Moravcik. Hail Hail Doctor Jo
What kendo88 said! Thanks dr Jo! Lubo was indeed our gift from ghod!