ERIK SVIATCHENKO admitted the 2-0 midweek defeat against Borussia Monchengladbach could be the BEST thing that’s happened to Celtic.
The Danish international defender pledged there will be no hangover from their Champions League loss when they play in the Betfred League Cup semi-final at Hampden tomorrow.
Sviatchenko said: “We need to be focused and move on after the game against Monchengladbach. It’s all about learning.
“You’ll see this new Celtic team emerge. We need to accept it will take time, even though we want it to happen in a split second.
“However, I believe this team in the months and years ahead will be much, much better. You can see we are improving. Sometimes it will take a loss or a draw or a victory and then we will see it.
“It shouldn’t be a problem to lift ourselves for (Comedy Club Sevco) Rangers after Borussia. The game on Sunday would be characterised as one of our biggest games of the season and if you don’t have what it takes to be ready for those matches then you shouldn’t be playing football.”
Celtic have not lost a domestic match immediately after midweek exertions in Europe on the last 21 occasions, stretching back more than two seasons.
However, it’s interesting to note that on the last five occasions when either side of the Glasgow rivals have won by four goals, stretching back to the 5-1 victory for Rangers (IL) at Ibrox in August 1988, they have failed to follow it up with a victory next time around.
Celtic are winning the battle of victories by at least four goals by 12-7, in a contest stretching back to New Year’s Day 1894 when Rangers (IL) won 5–0 in the old Division One.
Sviatchenko added: “We’re professionals and I believe the team will be ready for the game. Of course, we want to go to the Cup Final.
“We have character in our team. People are working hard, towards being better players. These are the games we need to be ready – and we will be.
“The result of the last game might make (Comedy Club Sevco) Rangers a little more dangerous, yes. It’s all about intensity. How much effort can we put in?
“When we are at our best, when we are intense and push high on our opponents then every side we face will have a problem.”
