GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 05: Celtic's Nicolas Kuhn with the player of the match award during a UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Celtic and RB Leipzig at Celtic Park, on November 05, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Mika Baur has admitted that the prospect of playing in the Champions League was a factor in joining Celtic.
Last week the German midfielder started for the hoops in their 3-0 win over LASK just a week after joining from Paderborn.
Tonight in Austria Baur gets the opportunity to complete the task. Avoid a three goal defeat and Celtic enter the Champions League draw on Thursday.
Since losing out to Kairat Almaty a year ago the Champions League has been in the thoughts of the Celtic support.
Under Brendan Rodgers in season 24/25 Celtic started to punch their weight in the Champions League.
BAUR LOOKS TOWARDS THE BIGGEST PRIZE
A return to those levels isn’t an unrealistic target. The 36 team, eight match format seems ideal for Celtic with a fair spread of fixtures. And an attraction to entice new signings
Discussing his move, the Daily Record reports Baur saying:
I feel really good coming here. Last week was a tough match, with a lot going on for me personally, but it was a big win for us as a team.
I felt really comfortable because the team helped me a lot. It was just amazing to feel the atmosphere, to feel the energy. It pushed me a lot.
I had goosebumps. When it stopped and everyone was shouting, it was so loud, it was incredible.
I’ve never experienced anything like that before.
Did I sign to play in the Champions League? For sure it was one reason.
To have the Champions League nights, everyone talks about them. But it was also other points like the size of the club, the playing style, which is really dominant.
And also a personal development to build the character.
After a 20 minute introduction away to Dundee United Baur was in at the deep end in the home leg against LASK.
It was a magical night for Celtic, almost everything fell into place with three outstanding goals to separate the two teams.
The new signings were pivotal to the victory.
Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran providing the cutting edge with Baur slotting in effortlessly to the midfield.
Tonight in LASK will be a very different proposition for a Celtic side that has been put together relatively recently.
From last season’s title winning squad Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels, Alistair Johnston, Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcelo Saracchi won’t be involved.
Baur, Hogh and Duran have made an impressive early impact.
Tonight they have the opportunity to wipe out the memories of Kairat and prepare for a Champions League campaign that runs into the new year.
Being in Thursday’s Champions League draw would be instant vindication of Baur’s move to Celtic.
