CLUJ sports director Bogdan Mara has heaped praise on Celtic after his side were beaten 2-0 in the Europa League.
The Romanian’s had a very different experience from their August visit and at the time celebrated like they weren’t going to be heading back to Celtic Park any time soon.
In football, fate has a great sense of humour and much like Celtic and Rosenborg were paired together last year after their qualifier – it happened again with Cluj after they lost the play-off round of the Champions League.
Mara was convinced his side were on a hiding to nothing last night after the August victory but also was very humble in defeat when it came to talking about Celtic’s speed and fitness.
The director bemoaned they aren’t really in Celtic’s league but it was no less impressive what the bhoys did to them on the night.
“We said when the draw came out we would take any team except Celtic and we were proved tight.” Mara told SunSport.
“Celtic were extremely motivated. They didn’t expect to lose to us and for then it was extremely embarrassing and they wanted revenge badly.
“The stadium was full, they were ready for it – I knew it wasn’t going to go our way.
“We’ve also had to play a lot of games recently and the travelling had an impact on us.
“But I also have to say the speed and fitness of the Celtic players was extraordinary. I’ve never seen that.
“Also, you have to remember, Celtic play in front of 60,000 fans. They sell players for £20 million and we cannot compete with that.
“Occasionally, we can surprise teams like Lazio the last time, we overall we are not even close to their budget.”
Celtic sit top of Group E after the second round of fixtures with four points. Long may it continue.
Take what Cluj say with a pinch of salt with Some Daddy’s Brown Sauce
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