AMBROSE: EUROPA IS TOUGHEST CHALLENGE
EFE AMBROSE reckons Celtic face a tougher task making progress in the Europa League than in the Champions League.
The Hoops have got their Group D campaign off to an encouraging start, with Thursday’s 1-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb following a 2-2 draw in Salzburg last month.
It leaves Ronny Deila’s men sitting joint top and well placed for their home tie with Romanian outfit Astra Giurgiu on October 23.
But despite their early joy in Europe’s second competition, Ambrose says the fact that many of their opponents are unknown quantities makes it difficult to prepare to play against them.
He insists it is easier facing household names such as Barcelona and AC Milan because their fame can be an advantage.
The Nigerian defender said: “The Europa League is more difficult because you don’t know the teams you are playing against or their style of play.
“When you play in the Champions League, it is more intense, but you know all the players, the clubs and their styles.
“Dinamo Zagreb were a good technical team.
“They played against
us on the counter attack. The manager had us prepared for that and that helped us beat them.
“We know if we start winning again then the fans will keep coming.
“They will know we are back in business if he win the next game, too.”
Even though Ambrose has his concerns over playing some of Europe’s lesser-known clubs, he is pleased with how Celtic are developing under new boss Deila.
The Hoops have gone six games without defeat ahead of tomorrow’s Premiership game against Hamilton and the 25-yearold back is keen to cheer up the club’s supporters after they missed out on Champions League football this season.
Ambrose added: “We know we are starting to get a winning mentality.
“It’s not been easy playing at home in Europe this season.
“But it was nice to start the Europa League campaign with a win at home and now we want to keep it going through all the competitions.
“I feel we are growing with the new manager and the style of play.
“We are improving but we’re still not at the level the manager wants, so we will keep working.
“In the Europa League, we have a great chance to do well with four points after two matches.
“It is a chance to bring a smile back to the Celtic fans after missing out on the Champions League.”
Strikers John Guidetti and Stefan Scepovic could return tomorrow. The Swede was ineligible while the Serbian was rested following a knock.
Callum McGregor could also take part after recovering from a bug.
Charlie Mulgrew, Mikael Lustig and Adam Matthews are expected to return from injury after the international break.
Meanwhile, Celtic have changed the kick-off for their home match against Kilmarnock on Sunday, October 26, to 1pm.