Bauer: I was fan at biggest games in Europe last season now I’m desperate to play in one
BY GAVIN BERRY were quite down after losing the first game 3-0 but they did it. And to be honest I was really blessed because I’m also friends with Dusan from Ajax so I watched both semi-finals and the final.
“It was like all my Christmases and birthdays came at once. I got tickets for all the games because I had friends at these teams so it was really interesting.
“It gives you a taste for it and you want to get that with Celtic.
“To play in Europe is a great thing and I can’t wait to experience a European night at Parkhead but we also want to be successful domestically.
“I played in the play-off round in the Europa League and Champions League for Grasshopper – we played Lyon, Fiorentina, Lille and Brugge.
“It would have been great to qualify for the group stage and we were close. I could smell the atmosphere of European nights.
“We have the players to do well in Europe at Celtic and we have more variety in the squad with the guys we have added.
“There is a lot of balance which helps because we have six games in three weeks so we will use all the squad.”
Bauer made only his second start for Celtic in the 1-1 draw against Hibs at Easter Road as he filled the injured Hatem Abd Elhamed’s boots.
Israeli international Elhamed has made an impressive start to his Parkhead career and Bauer insists that kind of competition can only help him raise his game.
He said: “Hatem arrived with a slight injury but played a fantastic game in the derby against Rangers. He did a terrific job when needed.
“We’re different characters and maybe I can add more attacking football while he’s a great defender. We have a lot of games in the next three weeks and will need every player. “We have to be focused on all competitions. There is no point losing in the league and winning in Europe. It will be different tactics for every game. “It’s up to the gaffer how he wants to play with the full-backs and that was probably the thinking of the board and the manager when they signed me. “I’m very happy to be here and the competition should be good because you won’t let your standard drop. “I can learn from Hatem and he’s an international so we’ll make each other better. “I try to adapt and I enjoy being part of a good group as I’m lucky to speak different languages.
“I can understand the jokes but the Scottish accent is one I have to get the hang of. Scott Brown is a very funny guy and an iconic figure at this club.
“He has some more years on his CV and more titles so I look forward to learning from him.”
Although Bauer represented Switzerland as a kid, he qualifies for Austria through his father and has won six caps for them.
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He was left out of boss Franco Foda’s squad for last month’s Euro 2020 qualifiers against Latvia and Poland as he settled into life in Scotland.
But Bauer could now be on a collision course with right-back rival Elhamed as Austria face Israel and Slovenia this month.
He said: “It was the first time I wasn’t too disappointed not to be called up to the national team because I had a lot of things to do and I was able to use the time.
“We are third in the qualifying group, just a point behind Slovenia, so it’s all to play for in a tight group that also has Israel and Poland in it.
“I haven’t bought a house yet but I’ve found an apartment. Nobody likes to be in a hotel but there are no excuses.”