Celtic have a lot to play for in the upcoming Champions League Qualifying match, but one man believes it will be boring.
The Champions League is seriously affected by arrangements to mitigate the pandemic. But even when played behind closed doors, it’s so important for Celtic to qualify that it’s hard to imagine anyone calling it boring.
Celtic have to play Icelandic-side KR Reykjavik in a one off Champions League qualifier next week. In theory, based on the draw, it’s a home tie for the Hoops. In practice with Icelandic travel restrictions that remains to be established and a neutral stadium elsewhere may yet be the answer. Wherever the tie ends up being played, KR Reykjavik’s manager Runar Kristinsson looks fated to miss a packed Parkhead stadium atmosphere once again.
Back in 2014 his team were matched with Celtic for qualifying, but their away tie was played at Murrayfield due to the Commonwealth Games taking place at Parkhead.
With the no fans, behind closed doors format, Kristinsson talked about how that feels for his players. The Sun has him describing it as boring and like a kick about:
"“It will be like playing a practice match at our training centre, except it’s on real grass.“It’s very boring just now in football both for players and fans. Of course, our players would want the chance to experience the atmosphere in Glasgow, but it is not possible.”"
Kristinsson has started his research, he and his assistant watched Neil Lennon’s side on TV on Sunday against Kilmarnock. Now if he’d got his view of boring and a kick about from that match there might have been a few nods of agreement. Kristinsson hasn’t been fooled by the Hoops lacklustre display at the weekend.
He recognises that wherever it is played it’ll be a tough match for his side compounded by the lack of Icelandic football currently which, with Celtic’s seasons active and underway, gives the hoops a further on the pitch advantage.
Boring? It might not be the most exciting of games and atmospheres. But for the Celtic fans watching from home it’ll have tension and nerves, how long for depends on the hoops performance on the pitch and whether they can make the game comfortable with a couple of early goals. Even after the Killie match, that shouldn’t be beyond expectations nor ability.