Rob: Playing in Scotland is Celts’ problem
ROBERTO MANCINI has a reputation at times for being difficult but was charm personified when speaking highly of Celtic in what was a succinct press conference.
The Zenit St Petersburg manager, accompanied by defender Miha Mevlja, did not hang about at Celtic Park last night. The Italian speaks four languages but wasn’t hugely interested in holding court in even his mother tongue.
However, the 53-yearold hung about long enough to praise the team which stands in his club’s way of European progress, even if the point was made that Celtic’s lack of domestic competition does them no favours.
And while the Russian club he joined at the start of this season are favourites for this tie, this famously meticulous coach is taking nothing for granted.
“I think this [Celtic’s position in Scotland] could be a problem,” said Mancini who was Inter Milan manager during a gripping tie in this competition three years ago.
“But Celtic are a very good team. Many times they talk about going to play in the Premier League. However, their history is here and I think they can improve here.
“It is always a difficult game in Glasgow. Celtic at home are a very tough team. Their supporters always push the team. It is incredible.
“We could have a problem as it if the first game after a two-month break. That is the situation and we need to be at our best.”
Zenit are the top scorers in the Europa League so far. No team conceded as many as Celtic in the Champions League group stage. This is the challenge which lies in store for Brendan Rodgers and his players.
Mancini said: “Celtic played in a difficult group. I think most teams would lose to PSG and Bayern Munich. They will be better in the Europa League.
“If we are able to win this game that would be a good result. I don’t think Brendan would agree with me. It is important for my team to try to be offensive and try to score.”
And what of Dedryck Boyata and Scott Sinclair, two Celtic players who were among the many unable to break into a Manchester City team worth hundreds of millions?
“Boyata played the first game in Premier League and got a red card against Arsenal at home,” recalled the defender’s old boss. “He was really young at the time.
“I bought Scott from Swansea and he was unlucky as our team was really strong. They are both good players.”
Mevlja, Zenit’s Slovenian centre half, played down fears that the long winter break would prove a factor.
He said: “We are in good shape and are looking forward to this match after not playing for two months. We are used to having this time off, it happens every year, so we will be okay.”