Slavia coach and players delighted at prospect of facing Celtic

Slavia Prague manager and players were delighted with yesterday’s Champions League qualifier draw.  Boss Jindrich Trpisovsky, said:

“If Celtic advance [against Cluj], which I hope they do, I will be very satisfied.

“Of the four likely teams we could face, I really wanted Celtic.  From a sporting perspective, Copenhagen was the most acceptable draw, but I had Celtic in first place, because it is Scotland, a great atmosphere.”

Captain, Milan Skoda, added: “I am happy with the lottery for the first time in my life.  I’m glad to get Celtic or Cluj.  I know these will be tough matches, whether we get one or the other, but in the third qualifier double header, I believe in Celtic.

“I don’t know if it is better for the first leg to be away from home but it paid off to start at home a few times in the past.”

Right back, Vladimir Coufal, said: “The draw was fantastic for me, a lot of us wanted Celtic.

“We would play in the UK again.  Unfortunately, I missed the game against Chelsea [last season].  If Celtic progress, it would be fantastic.

“There will be something unbelievable in Celtic Park, one of the best atmosphere in the world.  That would be a holiday for all.  So we will definitely be cheering for Celtic. I believe in them more than Cluj, even though I don’t know what to expect from Cluj.”

“We will try to get good result in the away leg and afterwards we will have a full stadium at home. If we advance to the Champions League, it will be something fantastic to celebrate with our fans. I think we definitely have a chance to advance, like Ajax.”

This is all very respectful, but you can be sure that having disposed of Sevilla, Bordeaux and Belgian league winners, Genk, Slavia will fancy their chances.  There is work to do.