The Champions League play-off first leg against Arsenal tonight will see Celtic Park transformed once more into the most atmospheric stadium in Europe. Arsene Wenger thinks that he's seen it all before on his travels throughout the continent but he's in for a surprise tonight. When Celtic break from that pre-match huddle the noise inside the stadium will reach a crescendo that neither the French boss nor his team will ever have experienced before.
Tony Mowbray knows that fans don't win games but he also knows that such passionate support can urge his team to greater heights. "I'm sure you will be at the game tomorrow and will be able to soak it up yourself," he said "It is a bit different and a bit special. I managed in the Premier League last year and felt the atmosphere there. It is one of the best leagues in the world, because every game you go to is sold out."
"This club probably takes it a step further." he explained to the visiting English media. "You come to this stadium any day of the week and there are hundreds, if not thousands, milling about outside. It's important that we give them something to feel proud about and we will try and do that tomorrow."
The new Celtic boss revealed that the pull of the club had never left him even when he returned to Celtic Park as an opposing manager with Hibernian. "I came here because the draw of Celtic is too strong for me to resist," said Mogga. "I was a player here for four years and managed in Edinburgh, playing against this club, just walking out there and seeing the atmosphere and what this club means to so many people. That was the draw and I am here to try and be successful for the supporters, to try and make the club successful on and off the pitch and set the right standards. I hope that nights like tomorrow come up very often over the next four years."
Tonight's tie is unusual in that Celtic are underdogs in their own stadium. Despite Celtic's great record in home European matches the bookies, not surprisingly, make Arsenal, last year's Champions League semi-finalists, favourites to win this one. Tony Mowbray admits that it may be no bad thing and may even help galvanise the support. "I think it lifts a little of the burden, a little of the expectation," said the boss. "The crowd understand that this is a night when the Celtic family need to gather together and be strong together. That can only be positive, so I wouldn't anticipate too many moans and groans about a bad pass here or a back pass there."
"I would expect the supporters to be fully behind the team for 90 minutes." he concluded. "And when we are in attacking mode and going forward, being very supportive. That's the way I would envisage this game and together as a group, the staff, the players and supporters, we will try and overcome Arsenal."