Astra coach David Isaila has virtually written off his side’s chances of progressing in the Europa League.
The Romanian side are sitting pointless at the bottom of Group D Â after losing 2-1 at home to Red Bull Salzburg.
Next up for Astra is a trip to Celtic Park on October 23 with Isaila admitting that with his side almost out of contention his main concern is not to do a Walter.
“Our chances of qualifying are small, now we have to pick up some points and gain experience,” the Astra coach said.
“Salzburg are a strong experienced team and deserved their win. Their equaliser came from our mistake and after that they gained in confidence.”
Asked if he was concerned about his own future after the defeat Isaila said: “I’m not threatened by that, life goes on. Football doesn’t revolve around Astra, nothing will end.
Despite their 5-1 defeat away to Dinamo Zagreb, Astra started confidently against the Austrians and took the lead in the 15th minute through Takayuki Seto.
Salzburg hadn’t won in their three previous European away matches but levelled through Kevin Kampl in the 36th minute with Jonatan Soriano putting the Austrians ahead before the interval.
While Celtic host Astra Salzburg will be at home to Dinamo Zagreb with Group D shaping us as a three way scrap for two places in the last 32 of the competition.
Elsewhere in the Europa League there was heartbreak for Tony Watt’s Standard Liege side as an 85th minute goal from Elvis Manu gave Feyenoord a 2-1 win over the Belgian side.