Strachan hints that attack is the best form of defence
Celtic will tonight face the current European Champions in the land of the World Cup winners knowing that a solitary single lonely point is all that stands between them and the last 16 of the Champions League. Here is another spin on tonight’s game that you wont have read in any of the red tops – if Celtic get all three points tonight they will win the group!
Any thoughts like that though are quickly grounded when you remember who it is that you are up against. The Rossonieri have arguably on of the strongest midfields, if not the strongest midfield in Europe, boasting no fewer than three members of the Italian World Cup winning squad and, oh some wee guy from Brazil!
On the thought of sending the Bhoys out for a draw, WGS replied succinctly, "I have never asked any player, any of those I have managed now or in the past to play for a draw, to be honest I would not know how to". Yes Gordon, with some of the defensive horror shows we have had to endure in the past we are aware of that!
Strachan continues; " Our attitude has to remain the same, we will go out to play football, enjoy ourselves and try to win"
One man who will be key if Celtic are to get anything from tonight is Aiden McGeady. With the injury to the excellent Jankulovski Aiden will be facing the veteran Brazillian left back Serginho. The 36-year-old can not be looking forward to facing the in form Celtic man, especially since Serginho’s best attributes are in the forward positions. It is hoped that McGeady will at the very least cause the full back to be more cautious in the attack, I feel that McGeady’s trickery can unlock Milan’s left flank with aplomb.
It is to be seen whether Gordon will opt for the four man midfield that served him well in last weeks tie against Donetsk or whether he will call upon the experience of Massimo Donati to shore up the midfield and try and stop the likes of Kaka et al. I would suggest that by man marking Ambrosini Celtic could nullify a great portion of Milan’s central prowess, and therefore choke the service to Pirlo and Kaka. At the very least we should try and ensure that they don’t get the opportunity to take possession and run at us.
Will Strachan revert to one up front in order to facilitate this? Only time will tell.
Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti has stated that he will rest no players ahead of his teams nine day break. The Italian giants will represent Europe in the world club championships and Ancelotti has confirmed that he will rest no players in tonights tie. I was widely thought rumoured Milan may field a weakened team due to having already qualified from the group.
He said, "I will not make any changes, we are giving a lot of importance to this game. We will play with our best line-up. Even if we have already qualified we want to finish top. We will go out showing loyalty and respect for everyone".
Ancelotti was also aware of the threat that Celtic pose to his Milanese giants, "Celtic has a team with great strength, speed and technical quality" he said showing a little to much respect! Either that or his scouts have used footage of the Lisbon Lions to demonstrate Celtic’s attributes!
Come on Bhoys – Make us proud.
Yours in Celtic
Clydebuilt