Star buys pile pressure on Emery
UNAI EMERY admits he’s under huge pressure to mould PSG’s megastars into Champions League contenders.
The Spanish boss, who lost to Celtic when Spartak Moscow manager five years ago, has been lavished with expensive signings as the Qatari backers chase European football’s glittering prize.
Emery is savouring the challenge but knows he’s under scrutiny.
He said: “It’s true it’s the most important competition so I have a lot of responsibility with so many good players at my disposal. It’s a great moment for the club to be starting a Champions League campaign.
“There are a lot of other good teams in the Champions League and Celtic are one of them. But with this team, we have a real possibility of going very far in the competition.”
Emery wants a flying start but accepts Celtic will be determined to do damage in Glasgow and pinpointed Leigh Griffiths as the No.1 threat.
He said: “Celtic are a very strong team with a powerful mentality and a lot of international players. We have to be careful because we know that at home they play with so much intensity. Celtic will attack and defend as a team and, although we have a lot of attacking players, we still have to pay attention to defence.
“I saw Griffiths play and I admire his quality, the way he holds the ball, his movement and his scoring ability.
“The players also have to be ready to handle the supporters, the intensity. The atmosphere will be special.”
CRAIG SWAN