Ange Postecoglou feels Bodo/Glimt have shown they can test Celtic but will not change the Parkhead natives’ style in the Europa Conference League, via quotes by the Glasgow Times.
The Hoops play host to Kjetil Knutsen’s side in the first-leg of their knockout round play-off on Thursday. Glimt secured their place in the last 32 as the runners-up to Roma in Group C, while Celtic drop into the competition after finishing third in their Europa League group.
Postecoglou believes Bodo/Glimt’s shock results in both of their meetings with Roma now offer Celtic all the warnings they need. The Aspmyra Stadion outfit came within six-minutes of a surprise double over Jose Mourinho’s side after Roger Ibanez struck a late equaliser.
Bodo/Glimt stunned the Giallorossi in October by beating the Stadio Olimpico natives 6-1 in their home meeting. They then led twice in Rome before Ibanez hit his late equaliser, with the resulting draw ultimately enough to see Roma top the Group C table by a single point.
Celtic boss Postecoglou aware of Bodo/Glimt threat ahead of ECL clash
Knutsen put Postecoglou on alert straight away by orchestrating Bodo/Glimt’s shock win at home to Roma before Celtic drew them. The Bhoys boss is now a big fan of his Norwegian counterpart and the style of play the 53-year-old favours.
Yet Postecoglou refuses to change the system Celtic have developed to beat Bodo/Glimt in their Europa Conference League clash. Instead, he expects the two sides’ styles to produce a firecracker encounter at Parkhead and the Aspmyra Stadion in next week’s second-leg.
“People should realise what they did to Roma,” Postecoglou said. “They did it in Rome, as well. They grabbed my attention back then – before we knew we were going to play them.
“They have an outstanding manager and they play an aggressive, expansive style of football… I’ve got no doubt they will both be cracking games because of the way they play and we won’t change our approach.”
Celtic will host Bodo/Glimt in the Europa Conference League amid a 17-game unbeaten run including winning their last nine. The Hoops have also scored 14 goals over their last four fixtures in all competitions, while Glimt are currently amid their pre-season programme.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
