MORITZ JENZ is hoping Paradise is HELL for Celtic’s Champions League rivals.
The Hoops have been drawn against European masters Real Madrid, RB Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk – all Euro foes in the past – in Group F following the ballot in Istanbul last night.
On-loan centre-back Jenz has only heard about the special atmosphere in the east end of Glasgow under the lights on European nights and can’t wait to sample them for himself.
PARADISE…Moritz Jenz believes Celtic Park will spark fear in Euro rivals.
The German, who agreed a season-long temporary transfer from Ligue 1 Lorient last month, is convinced even 14-times European winners Real can be knocked out of their stride at Parkhead when they come visiting.
Jenz said: “I’ve never been to Madrid, so this will be my first trip. I’m looking forward to seeing the famous Bernabeu.
“But, for me, nothing compares to Celtic Park. A lot of players, like Messi and the Bayern Munich players, have spoken about the incredible atmosphere here.
“It’s a frightening place for an away team because the fans are crazy here in Scotland and the game is intense. I think they’ll be looking forward to playing here.
“I can’t wait to hear the Champions League anthem and the roar before the games. You look at the results against AC Milan and Barcelona. Exactly – it just shows what can be done.”
The 6ft-plus stopper, who has already claimed two goals for the Hoops against Ross County and Kilmarnock, said: “These are the games you want to play in, the memorable moments, where you can maybe do the big moment against them.
“It sounds very interesting, sounds very challenging. You always want to compete against the best players. So, I’m really looking forward to competing against them.”
Commenting on being drawn against homeland team RB Leipzig, Jenz, speaking to the Daily Record, continued: “If I am honest, I didn’t really mind if it was a German club or not. But, it’s nice to go back to Germany and compete against a German team.
“I have two friends who used to play at Leipzig and we’re still in touch, we still talk about it. So they will definitely text me in a few minutes. They’ll also say: ‘You come to Leipzig, how about some tickets?’
”Shakhtar are in a special situation at the moment and it’s sad what is happening in Ukraine. I’m sure they will want to make their country proud. We want to make our country proud, as well, so it will be an interesting game.”
GOAL-DEN BHOY…Moritz Jenz celebrates his first strike for Celtic with Ross County keeper Ross Laidlaw left helpless as his header hits the net for No.2 in the 3-1 win in Dingwall.
Jenz hopes to get off the mark in Europe and he added: “I first need to stop my goal drought as I didn’t score in the last game! If I have the chance to be dangerous in the box in the Champions League, then, hopefully, I can take it.
“We’ve been doing a lot of practice on set-pieces, so if there are opportunities then I want to be as dangerous as possible. An overhead-kick in Madrid? Of course!
“A goal is a goal for me and I’d take a scrappy one as long as I can contribute to the team.”