18.02.2008 11:09
“It’s one of the most important games”
Sergi Nogueras
The Champions League is back with Barça taking on Glasgow Celtic. Eidur Gudjohnsen thinks this Wednesday’s game is really important.
After its two-month winter break the Champions League is back with the last 16 ties. Barça are
taking on Glasgow Celtic, and speaking on Celtic TV Eidur Gudjohnsen said that the match was
crucial. “It’s one of the most important games of the season. In the League we still
aren’t where we want to be and that also makes the Champions League more important. We have
to win the two matches and the tie.”
Only the best
But to get through to the quarter finals Barça need to play to their full potential and
according to the Icelander that means getting the right attitude. “This part of the Champions
League is bound to be tough because there are only top teams, like Celtic, left. We’ve got to
be focussed and ready to battle it out as Scottish sides always give 100% for 90 minutes.”
Strength and effort
As happened in the group stage matches with Rangers and in clashes with Celtic in previous
seasons, there’s no doubt it’s going to be a very physical encounter. That’s
something else Gudjohnsen says need to be taken into account. “Scottish teams and in
particular Celtic stand out for their strength and physical approach. They can play at a really
high tempo, and although the two sides play in very different ways, I think it would be fair to say
that we are better. However, they have a never say die attitude.”
The atmosphere
The setting for the first leg of the tie, Celtic Park, generates one of the best atmospheres
in Europe. Gudjohnsen says this won’t intimidate the Barça players but instead will motivate
them even more. “We’re not worried about playing there. In fact in this case we want
to, because some of the guys who’ve played there say the atmosphere is fantastic. We have to
enjoy the game and we shouldn’t worry about it. Everyone knows how passionate Celtic fans are
and they should be proud about that.”