Slavia Prague manager very happy with potential Celtic tie
The UEFA Champions League draw set up a potential clash between Slavia Prague and Celtic in the play-off round if the Scottish champions manage to beat CFR Cluj in their upcoming third round tie. Now the Glasgow-based club have received a supporter from an unlikely source in the form of current Slavia Prague manager, Jindřich Trpišovský.
After it was confirmed that Celtic would face Slavia Prague in the play-off round of the UEFA Champions League if they manage to beat CFR Cluj over the two legs in the next round, there seemed a lot of excitement in the Slavia Prague camp regarding the prospect of facing the Premiership holders.
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Speaking to the club’s website, Trpišovský said:
“I had Celtic on top of my list, because – if they qualify – it means Scotland and great atmosphere.
“If we get a good result away from home it will be a big advantage to play at home with our home atmosphere.
“On the other hand if we don’t score then it makes it more difficult at home, because every goal for the opponent makes it more complicated.
“It gives us the opportunity to play as openly as possible in the first match and try to score, which would then be a great advantage in the return.
“If Celtic qualify, which we would all like, I’m very satisfied with the draw.
“I think it will be very balanced though, because Cluj have a strong team. I saw their pre-season friendly with Sparta [Prague] and they won 1-0, playing really well.
“I think it’ll be very balanced and we’ll all be cheering for Celtic.”
Though it is not only the Slavia Prague boss who seems keen on visiting Celtic Park. The Slavia players also seem very excited about the tie.
Trpišovský’s sentiments were echoed by Slavia Prague defender, Vladimir Coufal, who seems excited by the potential chance to play at the legendary Celtic Park.
“A lot of people wanted Celtic, but they still have to go through,” Coufal said.
“I hope they go through and we play over there.
“Playing a match with them at Celtic Park would be unreal, it’d be a feast for everyone.
“Then at home we’d definitely have a chance – it’s better than getting Ajax for example.
“It’s good that we’ll be away from home first, where we want to get a good result.
“I think a full stadium would push us on at home, and if we got to the Champions League it’d be something fantastic to celebrate with our fans.
“I’m already looking forward to the two-legged tie.”
One thing is or sure, if the two clubs do end up meeting in the play-off, it’ll be a feast for both sets of fans.