Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Crowd key to Celtic win - Lennon

CELTIC v BRAGA (0-3) Champions League third round qualifier, second leg
Venue: Celtic Park Date: Wednesday, 4 August Kick-off: 1945 BST


Neil Lennon
Lennon hopes the Celtic Park crowd can inspire Celtic to success against Braga

Celtic manager Neil Lennon wants his players to feed off the crowd's energy in the second leg of Wednesday's Champions League qualifier with Braga.

"We need to get a head of steam up and a groundswell of pressure," said Lennon on the prospect of overturning a 3-0 first leg defeat.

"The supporters will play their part as well. I'm sure they can lift the team to a good performance.

"The atmosphere should be something Braga have never experienced before."

Lennon played in several key European clashes for Celtic and has fond memories of the occasions.

"Celtic Park, under the floodlights on a European night, will give the players a real taste of why they're here and what they can expect," he continued.

"I just want them to feed off the energy and thrive on it, and bring the house down.

"The fans are huge on these Champions League nights, they are one of the main reasons why our form has been so good over the years at home.

"They bring an energy that gives you a lift as soon as you walk out on the pitch. That backing just elevates your performance."

Lennon knows Celtic face a stiff task against the side who were runners-up in Portugal last season but was heartened by displays against Lyon and Arsenal in the Emirates Cup at the weekend.

"I thought we played ever so well against Lyon, we created a lot of good chances, there were some really positive performances," said the Northern Irishman.

"We knew it was going to be hard against Arsenal with the change of personnel and tinkering with the formation, but I thought we played well against one of the top teams in Europe.

"I think we can turn it around. We've plenty of experienced Champions League campaigners and international players, players who have played in the World Cup, so they know what the big arena is all about.

"Now, obviously whilst we have to try and attack Braga as best we can, we have to keep the door closed at the other end. It's Champions League football and you need 90 minutes of concentration to from the whole team."

Meanwhile, midfielder Ki Sung-Yeung was in bullish mood, claiming Celtic can "smash" their opponents.

Hooper confident of Celtic recovery

"What we did in Portugal wasn't good enough and I gave away a silly penalty kick," said the South Korean.

"But this (game) will be different because we'll have 60,000 people in front of us.

"If we play the way we just did in training, I think we can smash them.

"Every time we tackle, we will get the ball and attack in front of a lot of people. So I think they will be surprised and afraid."

"They are quite skilful and the organisation of the team was good. But I don't think they are very powerful or fast."

New Celtic signing Gary Hooper also believes Celtic can overturn the 3-0 lead Braga enjoy if they get an early goal.

"I think we've got every chance of getting through," said the striker. "If we attack them and press really high, I think we'll have no problem.

"If we get one we'll get a few and win 4-0 I reckon. I don't think they were the best at home.

"We have to get them on the back foot and take our chances."

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