The Bulgarian was commenting on his former club Celtic.
Stiliyan Petrov – Celtic
Celtic’s jubilation after defeating Rangers was short-lived.
Still on a high from winning the Old Firm derby 5-1 last weekend Celtic were soon tugged back to earth by a rampant Barcelona side in a 7-0 Champions League thrashing.
But one Celtic icon believes the team should not put too much influence on the result.
Petrov, speaking on talkSPORT yesterday (15/09/16), believes Celtic should not let the result v Barca burden their domestic progress:
Celtic’s Moussa Dembele celebrates
“When the three, Messi, Suarez and Neymar, are on top form anyone can lose seven.
“I think they should forget that game as quick as possible. Don’t forget that Celtic did not qualify for the Champions League for some time.”
The Bulgarian also spoke about the club’s current domestic form. Petrov praised the appointment of new boss Brendan Rodgers and the club’s signings – before suggesting the presence of Rangers back in the top-flight will hopefully now push them on in the Scottish Premiership:
“Obviously in the past couple of years, Rangers not being in the league, slowed them down. With Rangers coming back now and the appointment of Brendan Rodgers, with a few class signings.
“I think they are going to start moving forward, slowly.”
Barcelona’s Neymar celebrates
There is no doubt that the lowered profile in Scottish football since the disappearance of Rangers from the top-flight had a downward impact on Celtic’s performance both on and off the pitch.
Now players are far more likely to be lured to Celtic Park again.
The club are back in the Champions League, have a top manager in Rodgers and can offer the Old Firm derby once again on a regular basis.
So there is still plenty for Celtic fans to be happy about.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
