Hungarians hoping for more away-day success
Boss Serhiy Rebrov is banking on Ferencvaros’ road trip resilience to get them past Celtic in their Champions League qualifier tonight.
The Hungarian outfit did not lose in seven away games in the Champions League qualifiers or Europa League last season – five draws and two wins–albeit they ultimately failed to get out of their Europa League group which included Esp anyol,CSKA Moscow and Ludogorets.
Looking forward to the onelegged second qualifier at the home of the Scottish champions, the former Tottenham, West Ham and Ukraine striker said: “Of course I believe, not only tonight but three more rounds [before group stage] and we have to be ready for all of them.
“I said to the players last year that we would play very strong teams like Din a mo Zagreb.
“At this stage all teams are quality, it doesn’t matter what kind of league they have won.
“Everyone knows Celtic are the number one seed in the qualification rounds, we all understand, but we all have to concentrate on ourselves and I am sure we have a chance.
“It will be a very hard game for both teams, both teams play all year for these games.
I am sure there are no easy games at this level.”
Ferencvaros beat Swedish champions Djurgarden 2- 0 at home to set up their trip to Parkhead, where Rebrov has mixed and somewhat contradictory feelings about playing behind closed doors.
He said :“I know the history of supporters here and I am glad that the stadium will be empty. It is some sort of motivation for us but we will have to concentrate on our game and don’t think of other things.
“Of course, supporters give more motivation to the players, more emotions.
“Football without the sup - porters is not interesting but we all understand the situation we are in and we have to show our best.”
Defender End re Botka would rather Celtic Park to be full. He said: “I wouldn’t say it gives us an advantage as I like playing in front of fans.
“It would have been nice to play in front of 60,000 people.
“As a player we enjoy playing in front of fans and they give me motivation so I don’t like playing in front of an empty stadium.
“This one match decides everything so there is no room for mistakes and we will have to concentrate for the entire 90 minutes.”