Elhamed reveals Hoops’ inquest into Cluj catastrophe, but he’s enjoying being a Celt
Celtic’s stars held a crisis meeting in the wake of the Champions League exit.
On a mad night in Glasgow’s East End, the Hoops scored three but conceded four to crash out of Europe’s premier club competition to Romanian outfit, Cluj.
Recently recruited from Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Hatem Elhamed, the Israeli internationalist, revealed: “As players, we spoke amongst each other about how we need to defend much better.
“Everybody, collectively as a team, needs to make sure we do not make these mistakes again.
“For example, as a full back, I know I need to help the team attack.
“But, for sure, my first job is to defend.
“It was disappointing for all of us – the players and the supporters.
“Celtic is a big club, and to lose 4-3 at home is a big disappointment.
“But in football, things like this sometimes happen.
“There were a lot of ups and downs. They scored then we led. Same again.
“It was a tough game, but in some moments we lost our focus and paid for this.
“We are all sorry this happened to us, but we need to look for the next challenge and be sure that we are in the group stages of the Europa League.
“We need to be good enough in both games – home and away – to make sure we get through.
“Every player has to give his best, including those from the bench, we need to focus.
“The club is the most important thing and we need to be there.”
Elhamed was far from the worst offender on the night and, in general, has made a very positive start to his time in Scotland.
Solid and committed, he has attracted praise in almost equal amount to the criticism which has been directed the way of fellow new recruit, Boli Bolingoli on the other flank.
That’s perhaps just as well, given Celtic’s interest in £4-million-rated Olympiakos right back, Omar Elabdellaoui, who is a Norwegian internationalist, currently boasting 36 caps
“As you know, I came as a new player and started to play immediately,” said 28-year-old Elhamed.
“I think that was a good thing, to get inside the club and get to know my teammates and the mentality here.
“That’s helped me to focus and have the energy to give my best.
“I wanted to come here to play and be an important player.
“I always think positively and I expected to play.
“So I’m very happy to have been straight in the team. I need to adapt to the style of football here, not the other way round.
“For now, it’s okay.
“The tempo and what the coach and staff are asking is higher than I am used to, but we will get there.
“Even in my short experience here so far, though, it has been amazing to experience the atmosphere of Celtic Park.”
■ NEW UEFA ROLE FOR LAWWELL – See Page 24
■ HOOPS SPARK TICKET FRENZY IN STOCKHOLM – See Page 21