Danes believe keep Edouard quiet to KO Celts
FC Copenhagen defender Ragnar Sigurdsson says shutting down Odsonne Edouard is the key to his side’s chances of knocking Celtic out of the Europa League on Thursday night.
The Hoops’ French star scored in the 1-1 draw in the first leg in Denmark last week and, as Sigurdsson admitted, could have killed the tie inside the first half-hour as he carved though the opposition defence with ease.
However, the Danes’ success in finding a way to nullify the threat has the Icelandic internationalist convinced his team can come out on top in the return.
“Edouard is really talented,” said Sigurdsson.
“He is one I could see going on to England in the future. There are worse forwards than him playing in the big leagues right now.
“He is so fast and is technical really good as well. And, of course, he produced a nice finish for the goal.
“Early on in Denmark, he gave us a lot of problems and, at the time, I didn’t really know why.
“Our defenders tried to stay close to him but he would suddenly not be there. It was hard then to catch up because he was away.
“But we adapted to it, then were able to keep him quiet. Because we did, I know that we can get through the tie.
“If we play like we did in the second half in Copenhagen, then we can beat Celtic in Glasgow.
“But we will have to keep Edouard quiet to do so.”
The 33-year-old Icelander turned in a combative display in the first leg and promises Copenhagen will be equally up for the fight in front of 60,000 at Celtic Park.
“For me, the first leg was just a great game of football. Celtic started strong and caught us twice really early and then they scored the goal.
“After that, we kind of matched their running and their power for the rest of the first half. In the second half, we dominated the game.
“We created a lot of chances and, for me, although 1-1 was maybe a fair result, we had the chance to finish the tie off.
“At half-time, the manager told us to get off of our backsides and do something. Which was fair because we had not been good enough.
“The players knew that but the coach gave us a good talking-to and the second half was fantastic. Some of the best football I have ever seen from FCC.
“Now it is on to Celtic Park and it should be another great contest. A lot of our fans will travel but, obviously, this time the Celtic supporters will be in the majority.
“I would imagine it will sell-out and it should be a great occasion. Plus, I hope, another great game of football and one that we will do everything we can to win.
“As I say, though, we will have to stop Edouard.”