REAL MADRID superstar Vinicius Jnr says that Celtic’s 4-0 win over Rangers has shown the Spanish giants just how tough a task they will have in Glasgow tonight, but he has told Ange Postecoglou’s men that it is they who will have to adapt to the European champions.
Much has been made in the build-up to tonight’s Champions League opener at Celtic Park about Postecoglou’s refusal to alter his team’s attacking style as they make the step up to the top level, and Vinicius Jnr has been impressed by that swashbuckling style.
But he has warned Celtic that Los Blancos are in Scotland to win, and that they won’t be making any allowances to their own style do so.
“It is a great team and I am look forward to playing here” Vinicius Jnr said. “I’ve heard good things and that there is a lot of pressure playing in this stadium.
“It’s a great atmosphere and I obviously saw that these guys won 4-0 in a big derby, so it is going to be a tough challenge for us.
“Celtic are a very strong team, they run very hard and they are very physical. To be honest, I’ve not seen many of their games and I should probably watch some more before the game.
“But we are going to turn up and play our own normal game and it’s the other team that has to adapt to us, we are not going to change for anyone.”
The 22-year-old has heard all about the famous Celtic Park atmosphere, which is sure to be at fever pitch for the first Champions League group stage tie to be held at the ground in five seasons.
Far from being daunted at the prospect though, the Brazilian international is certain that both he and his teammates will be inspired by the raucous surroundings as they take to the field this evening.
“I absolutely love playing in a packed stadium with a lot of pressure on me,” he said. “That’s what we like doing at Real Madrid.
“So, hopefully, we can perform and come away with a victory.”
In an illustration of the level of opposition Celtic are coming up against, Vinicius Jnr sees the match in Glasgow as the first step towards Real Madrid retaining the trophy.
“I’m looking forward to a new season and, hopefully we can win this again,” he said. “We are doing our best and, hopefully, it ends in success.”
