CHAMPIONS League progression is not beyond Celtic yet, according to full-back Josip Juranovic.
The Parkhead side need a win on Tuesday night as they host RB Leipzig at Celtic Park with the Croatian internationalist unflustered by the manner of the defeat to the Bundeliga side in Germany last week.
Both sides commitment to an attacking style of play made for a crazy toing-and-froing until Leipzig took control of the game in the latter stages of the second period but Juranovic is bullish about Celtic and what they can offer as a collective.
Currently at the bottom of Group F with one point from their opening three games there is insufficient evidence to encourage ambitions about European football in any form after Christmas yet the complexion of the table – and possibly perceptions – would shift considerably with three points this week.
“If we can win these games – as I am sure we can – then we can progress through the group,” he said. “Leipzig have some very talented footballers, there is no doubt. That is okay, this is the Champions League and everyone knows the standard at this level is the best.
“It is where we want to be and I love the challenge of playing against top, top footballers. You can look at a player like (Christopher) Nkunku and see that with his pace and skill he is very hard to stop. However, we know that if we work together we can do it.
“Real Madrid are the European champions and some might imagine that is because they have some brilliant players in their group. It is true, they do. At the same time, they won last year because of the way they played as a team. That was a lesson for everyone. With the help of our fans, we can be stronger this time.”
Celtic Park can be counted on to put on its disco lights and raise a din. The problem for Celtic, however, is that the energy and atmosphere is as beneficial to their visitors as it is to themselves. Indeed, if things do not go according to plan the muting of such a reputationally loud home support can work in favour of the visitors.
The return of the Champions League anthem caused a stir against Real Madrid as Celtic returned to Europe’s premier tournament with the manner of the performance, for an hour at least, matching the energy in the stands. Replicating that will be pivotal.
“Germany was a difficult night but this is a fresh opportunity for us, both in terms of making it right against RB and improving our position in the group,” said Juranovic. “We have gone to Leipzig and Shakhtar, now it is their turn to come to our home.
“I think everyone knows it is no easy thing for an opposition team to come up against us at Celtic Park because of the unbelievable support we have there. You saw in Germany the amazing backing we got from our fans and that was a small fraction of the numbers who will be behind in Glasgow in these games. Ask any of the players and they will tell you the backing makes a big difference.”
Juranovic is certain of his World Cup place in November after national team manager Zlatko Dalic spoke of his appreciation for what the fullback offers. Dalic led Croatia to the final of the 2018 tournament but Juranovic is wary of any Qatar talk distracting him from his day job.
“I love playing for my country and to play in the World Cup is a dream,” he said. “Now, though, my focus is all on Celtic.
“This is a busy time and the schedule is prepare, play and then rest up ahead of preparing for the next game. The standard is high and it requires all of your concentration if you are to perform at the level you need to be performing at.
“In the Champions League, we are lining up against many players who are internationalists and a good number of them will be going to Qatar. That means you are getting tested on a regular basis and this is a good thing for all footballers because it keeps your performance level high.
“There is always going to be room for improvement - that is true of individual players and for teams as well. But I am enjoying this season, both from a personal point of view and in terms of the team and the football we are playing.”
He could possibly find himself up against his countryman on Tuesday night with 20-year-old Josko Gvadriol attracting attention on the back of some impressive performances domestically.
“I hope not because of all the good young players Croatia have, he is perhaps the one with the most potential!” said Juranovic. “We will see but he is a talent, no doubt. I have not been surprised to hear his name spoken of in connection with big clubs in England.”
