Bitton is backing Bhoys to get wise
NIR BITTON is unperturbed by the damning defensive statistics stalking Celtic’s bid for progress in European football and vowed the Scottish champions will be ‘smarter’ for their next two tests.
Molde host Celtic on October 22 then visit Parkhead on November 5 — contests in which Ronny Deila’s team will be seeking to improve on a record of 32 goals conceded in 20 European matches.
The Norwegians top the section thanks to a stunning 3-1 win in Turkey over Fenerbahce then holding Ajax to a draw at home on Thursday night. Bitton is impressed with that form but believes the trip to the west coast of Norway will not expose the Celtic defence further. Indeed, he thinks the game can unlock a gateway to the round of 32.
Bitton said: ‘I don’t think the goals we’re losing in Europe are a concern. But we know if we want to progress in the competition we need to be better defensively. When you play against these teams, if you make a mistake you will pay for it.
‘We were punished by our own mistakes against Fenerbahce and we have to do better. We really need to concentrate in the next games to try to keep a clean sheet. Of course I still think we will qualify.
‘The next game is crucial for us against Molde, we need a good result over there. I think we’ll be smarter in Norway.
‘I don’t think we have anything to fear in the Europa League. Yes, Molde have already beaten Fenerbahce and drawn with Ajax. But we need to play our own game over there. If we win in Norway, everything is open to us.
‘Clubs like Fenerbahce and Ajax have the big names but none of the games will be easy. Fenerbahce are a good side and they have guys like Robin van Persie and Nani, but they didn’t create anything against us.
‘And we were leading 2-0. We played very well in the first half. We pressed them high and moved the ball well. But we made a mistake for just two minutes from half-time.
‘And again in the second half, we conceded from a set-piece.’
Molde’s Aker Stadium has housed an artificial surface since 2014, an advantage Hamilton will enjoy this afternoon. Bitton did not feature 12 months ago when Accies scored the shock result of the season — a 1-0 win at Celtic Park, three days after the champions had met Dinamo Zagreb.
If there is another case of nursing a European hangover then Bitton has a warning for his team-mates.
‘If we think too much about Europa League games, we’ll get killed in the Scottish league by our opponents,’ he said. ‘I remember what happened last year. We have to be prepared as Hamilton will be a tough game. We’ll do everything we can to beat them and go into the international break in a good mood.’