Celtic face Zenit St. Petersburg in the second leg on Thursday night.
Zenit St. Petersburg defender Emanuel Mammana has been quoted by the Glasgow Evening Times as saying that Celtic’s fans were the reason for the Hoops’ victory last Thursday.
Celtic gave themselves the best chance of qualifying for the last 16 of the Europa League with a 1-0 first-leg victory over Roberto Mancini’s side last Thursday, as they travel to Russia for the second leg this week.
Callum McGregor scored the all-important goal after an excellent Charly Musonda assist, but all eyes are now on Russia as Celtic travel to Zenit’s Krestovsky Stadium in an attempt to hold on to their narrow lead.
But Argentine defender Mammana has decided to give an excuse for his side’s 1-0 loss to Celtic last Thursday, stating the crown piled the Russians under pressure but is confident Zenit can wipe out their mistakes before the second leg.
“It was a very difficult match for us. There were several reasons for this – not least because of the pressure we were under in their stadium,” Mammana said. “Now we have to work hard in Rome and make up for our display this week.
“We have watched the video against Celtic. Right from the start of the game, we made mistakes and Celtic put us under pressure.”
Brendan Rodgers risked a multitude of changes at the weekend that saw the likes of Cristian Gamboa, Calvin Miller and Odsonne Edouard start against St. Johnstone. It slightly backfired as the Hoops stumbled to a 0-0 draw.
However, the decision to rest his senior stars could prove dividends if Rodgers can safeguard Celtic’s slender lead and help book the champions place in the next round at the expense of Zenit.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
