EURO RIVAL SAYS LENNON'S SIDE IN CLASS OF LARSSON
FC Copenhagen’s Pierre Bengtsson fears the current generation of Celtic player could do the same damage to his team as his childhood hero Henrik Larsson.
The Swede grew up watching the Parkhead legend (inset) torment defences across Europe in his pomp and believes the current Celtic team, who travel to the Danish capital for tomorrow’s last-32 Europa League showdown to face and they could hardly have handpicked a better time to play against Stale Sobakken’s side.
Copenhagen looked rusty during Friday night’s defeat at relegation-threatened Esbjerg – their first game after the two-month Danish winter break.
And they have to cope without several of their key players, including Viktor Fisher – who has scored against Celtic for Ajax.
Sweden left-back Bengtsson was one of Copenhagen’s rare successes on Friday as they fell further behind Super League leaders FC Midtjylland.
Bengtsson used to watch Larsson run amok in Scottish football as a kid and fears a difficult night against a Celtic side he labels strong favourites. But he will ask two of his countrymen for advice on how to approach the game – former Celtic full-back Mikael Lustig and Rangers defender Filip Helander. Bengtsson said: “The
game on Friday was not the preparation we wanted for playing Celtic.
“Of course when you are in the middle of the season you have a better rhythm and we are obviously just back after our winter break. We are trying to find our feet again after a long break. I agree that the break makes it more difficult for us and Celtic certainly have an advantage because of that.
“We know the importance of the first leg. It’s definitely an advantage being at home in the second leg so that’s another bonus for Celtic. Away goals could be crucial in these games and we will be doing everything to stop them from taking an away goal back to Scotland.
“We don’t want to concede and that’s the most important thing for us on Thursday.
Bengtsson added: “I know Mikael Lustig played there for many years. I know all about Celtic and their traditions and of course, everyone knows how tough it will be to play at Celtic Park. They are also playing well and I accept they are strong favourites to qualify.
“I will ask Mikael for advice and tips before we travel to Scotland although I’m not sure he will want to help me! But we are very strong on preparation here and the video guys at the club will make sure we know all about Celtic by the time we play them.
“I remember Henrik Larsson well and of course his famous tongue celebration! Every Swede knows that. When I was growing up he was the hero in Sweden for what he did at Celtic.
“I also know Filip Helander at Rangers and have played with him too. He’s a good guy. Maybe I will ask him how to beat Celtic. I’ve never been to Celtic Park but of course I have heard all about it. I’m really looking forward to playing there at last.”