Paul Merson told Soccer Special on Sky Sports News (01/12/20) that Liverpool and Celtic are ‘the two places’ to play in the Champions League because there is ‘no atmosphere like it’.
Those comments were in reference to Liverpool youngster, Caoimhin Kelleher, making his Champions League debut on Tuesday night with the stands empty at Anfield because of the virus and government guidelines.
It was a shame for the Liverpool academy product because he put in a stellar performance in between the sticks, secured a clean sheet against Ajax and helped the Reds progress to the knockout stages.
Champions League football has eluded Celtic recently, but when they are in the competition and fans have packed out Parkhead, then they are truly special nights, as Barcelona can vouch.
Nonetheless, the Celtic and Liverpool fans will love the high praise Merson gave to both clubs and the atmosphere they are able to generate on European nights.
“It’s a shame [Kelleher had to make his CL debut] behind closed doors,” said Merson. “You know Anfield and Celtic Park are the two places on Champions League nights. There is no atmosphere like it.”
Liverpool’s trophies under Jurgen Klopp
- Champions League
2018/19
- UEFA Super Cup
2019
- FIFA Club World Cup
2019
- Premier League
2019/20
From Celtic’s perspective, they will be glad that there aren’t any fans allowed into Parkhead, at this moment in time, because they would have made their feelings known to Neil Lennon and the players regarding the quite awful start to the campaign.
As for Liverpool, they have enjoyed a 64 game unbeaten run in the Premier League on home soil and their fans have played a huge part in that.
Plus, Celtic aren’t the only ones who have put Barcelona to the sword at home because Liverpool had that memorable comeback against them.
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