The Scottish Premiership side have been drawn in a group with Barcelona, Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach.
Vladimir Weiss during his loan spell with Rangers
Vladimir Weiss has told The Scottish Sun that he expects Celtic to finish at the bottom of their Champions League group, and admitted that he hopes that that proves to be the case.
Brendan Rodgers’ men have arguably been drawn in this year’s ‘Group of Death’ with Barcelona, Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach, and begin their campaign with a daunting trip to the Nou Camp on Tuesday.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
And Weiss – who began his career with the Citizens, and enjoyed a brief, but highly successful, loan spell with the Hoops’ bitter foes Rangers – has conceded that he wants to see the Hoops fall at the first hurdle.
“I think they will struggle in the group. Every game is a different test for them. Maybe they can battle with Gladbach for third place but I think that will be a tough test,” he told The Scottish Sun.
“They are the weakest side in the group and they will find it very difficult to pick up any points. I hope they don’t.
“I hope City can win both matches against Celtic. It would be good to see that happen because if I’m being really honest, I don’t like them.”
Given Weiss’ allegiances, it is hardly surprising that he is less than complimentary about the Bhoys and their European hopes, especially after Saturday’s result in the Old Firm derby.
But while his opinion is somewhat extreme when it comes to wanting to see Celtic fail, he is arguably correct when he suggests that Rodgers’ side face an uphill battle trying to get out of the group.
The Catalan giants and City must be the favourites to finish in the top two, while the Bundesliga side will certainly be a tough team to finish above.
But Rodgers may perhaps look at Weiss’ comments as all the motivation and inspiration his side needs as they begin their campaign.
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