Bayern Mainz electric
Kieran Tierney had another night to both remember and forget in the Champions League classroom, football ’s ultimate accelerated learning programme.
Despite the caning Celtic took against PSG in midweek, though, the 20-year-old insists the lessons he’ll take away will make him a better player and the Hoops a better team. They’ll have to.
At least, however, they’re learning from the best.
And Tierney insists there’s no greater teacher of the role, or setter of standards, than Dani Alves who can boast three Champions Leagues, four Super Cups, two UEFA Cups, 19 domestic honours and 102 caps for Brazil.
His experience on Tuesday will make the Scotland defender bet ter prepared for big matches – including the first Old Firm league clash of the season on Saturday.
Tierney said: “It was a learning thing and we’ll need to be better next time. The one thing I’ll take away more than anything else is that PSG don’t waste a ball.
“If it’s a high ball, we’d maybe look to get it clear but they’ll bring it down on the chest and play it . Look at Alves.
“There’ll be a ball over the top and he’s close to me but he’s comfor table about taking the ball on his chest and passing it. “If we pressed them, their one and two-touch play was unbelievable. You think you’re going to nick it but they’ve touched it away and are on the break again.” Celtic’s campaign last year started with another slaughter, that time at the hands of Barcelona in the Nou Camp.
But Tierney struggled when asked which side had impressed him more.
He said: “It ’ s hard. They’re different teams but they’re both up there as being the best. Kylian