Sport nationCeltic’s Champions League Quest: Simon Donnelly Backs Hoops to Reach Next Level
As Celtic prepares to face RB Leipzig in a pivotal Champions League clash, former Hoops striker Simon Donnelly has expressed his confidence in Brendan Rodgers’ side reaching the competition’s knockout stages. Donnelly’s optimism stems from Celtic’s resilient display against Atalanta, where they earned a valuable point in Italy.
The Atalanta Performance: A Turning Point
Donnelly hailed Celtic’s 0-0 draw against Atalanta as a turning point in their Champions League campaign. “They showed they can dig in away from home against a strong European outfit and come back with a result,” he said. This performance demonstrated Celtic’s ability to adapt and thrive in challenging environments.
Kyogo Furuhashi: The Key to Success
Donnelly emphasized the importance of Kyogo Furuhashi leading the line against Leipzig. “Kyogo is the top striker. He’s so sharp around the box. He’s always there. He’s scored in big games; he’s a big-time player.” Furuhashi’s goal-scoring prowess and clinical finishing make him a vital component of Celtic’s attack.
Adam Idah’s Versatility
Donnelly praised Rodgers’ tactical flexibility in starting Adam Idah against Atalanta. “It’s horses for courses,” he said. Idah’s inclusion demonstrated Rodgers’ willingness to adapt and experiment with different lineups.
Rangers’ Struggles Irrelevant
Donnelly insisted that Celtic won’t be distracted by Rangers’ domestic struggles. “Celtic will just focus on themselves. What happens outside is immaterial; they have to focus on their own game.” Celtic’s concentration remains on their own fixtures, with Aberdeen next in the league.
Champions League Prospects
Celtic’s remaining fixtures:
- RB Leipzig (home)
- Club Brugge (home)
- Dinamo Zagreb (away)
- Young Boys (home)
- Aston Villa (away)
With four points from three games, Celtic sits 20th in the table. A positive result against Leipzig would significantly boost their knockout stage hopes.
Rodgers’ Tactical Acumen
Donnelly praised Rodgers’ ability to adjust his tactics and get the best out of his players. “Brendan Rodgers has shown he can change the team and the system to get results.”
Furuhashi’s Impact
Donnelly highlighted Furuhashi’s importance in Celtic’s attack. “He’s a player who can make a difference in big games. He’s got the quality and the finishing ability to score goals.”
Celtic’s Resilience
Donnelly emphasized Celtic’s ability to bounce back from setbacks. “They showed resilience against Atalanta, and that’s what you need in the Champions League.”
Conclusion
Celtic’s Champions League campaign hangs in the balance, but Simon Donnelly’s optimism is palpable. With Rodgers at the helm, Furuhashi leading the line, and a resilient squad, Celtic is poised to reach the next level.
Related Articles
- “Celtic’s Champions League Hopes: Can They Reach the Knockout Stages?”
- “Brendan Rodgers’ Tactical Masterclass: Analyzing Celtic’s Atalanta Draw”
- “Kyogo Furuhashi: The Striker Leading Celtic’s European Charge”
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Image Credits
- Celtic FC (official website)
- Simon Donnelly (Twitter)
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Scottish Daily Record and Sunday Mail Ltd. All rights reserved.
Amina Umar
Sport nation
