Real Betis defender Hector Bellerin has suggested that Celtic are facing ‘pressure’ after losing to Rangers in the first derby of the season.
The Bhoys had a tumultuous summer, targeting Eddie Howe for some time before eventually appointing Ange Postecoglou.
Their transfer business took a while to get going too. Additions of Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada have really helped Celtic, but they have lost Ryan Christie and Odsonne Edouard.
On Thursday, Celtic kick off their Europa League campaign with a game against Betis.
The trip to Spain will be a tough one. Betis have yet to win in La Liga this season, but still have quality players like Nabil Fekir, Sergio Canales and Andres Guardado.
Betis made a move on transfer deadline day, signing Hector Bellerin from Arsenal.
Bellerin has joined on loan for the season, and could make his debut against Granada tonight.
Celtic fans will know all about Bellerin having been a regular at Arsenal for years.
Now, it turns out Bellerin knows all about Celtic too.
Bellerin has told the Daily Record that he is optimistic of beating Celtic as long as Betis control possession.
Bellerin even theorises that Celtic find themselves under pressure to get a result because they lost to Rangers last month, with Betis hoping to use that to their advantage.
“Celtic will be a tough rival but I’m optimistic. At Betis, we’re obliged to get the three points,” said Bellerin. “We have already watched the derby against Rangers and that result puts pressure on Celtic.”
“If we can dominate the ball against them, we can get the win we need. I’ve left Arsenal to win things with Real Betis. I’m not here for a holiday,” he added.
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