OMM Newsroom
Vincenzo Italiano said Celtic, who have yet to earn a point in Europe, will be eager to win ahead of their match. Speaking at a news conference at Celtic Park, the Besiktas coach said the home advantage would make the game difficult.
Italiano recalled playing Celtic last season, when his team came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2. He said his side had performed well in Europe, losing only once. That defeat came in the return leg against Jalgiris, after a 3-0 win in the first match.
The coach said he could make changes to the lineup and that Orkun Kökçü, who has returned from injury, would be on the bench. He said they wanted to give Orkun playing time and bring him back into the team. Italiano also noted that Trossard can play both in midfield and on the wing.
Former Celtic player Hyeon-gyu Oh said he had been waiting for the match for two months. He said he felt like part of a family in Glasgow and thanked the club’s fans. The player said he might cry if he scored.
Celtic coach Martin O’Neill said the team’s failure to earn points in its first three matches in the European competition did not mean it would continue that way. He said they were aiming to qualify from the group and would have to give everything to win. O’Neill added that his players were disappointed not to be playing in the Champions League.
Liam Scales said the team was enduring a difficult season and was aware of the fans’ dissatisfaction. He said Celtic’s loss of 10 players had created difficulties and that the players needed to take responsibility for their performances.
