Celtic take on Feyenoord in their opening Champions League group stage match this evening. It will be a tough test for the Hoops, and heading into it, both teams’ managers have been speaking to the press.
Manager of the Dutch champions Arne Slot was the first to do so, and he heavily praised the Hoops and a certain Kyogo Furuhashi. Slot admitted he was rather disappointed when he found out the Japanese striker was fit to face his side.
This would likely be the opinion of any gaffer whose team will need to nullify the threat of the 28-year-old. Slot said (Sky Sports): “I just read that Brendan Rodgers said that he is able to play which is quite unfortunate because I wouldn’t mind if he didn’t start as he is a very good player for Celtic and I liked him a lot as a player when he played in Japan.”
On Tuesday evening, Kyogo will be eager to come to the fore. He has yet to score in the Champions League, and the match at de Kuip provides the Japanese international with the ideal opportunity to do so.
The Hoops hero signed a new deal with the club in the summer when many thought he could be preparing for a Celtic exit after Ange Postecoglou left for Spurs.
He continues to show great worth ethic and that lethal touch domestically. He now has the opportunity to do it on a grander stage.
The game kicks off at 8pm on Tuesday evening and will be a stress test on this Celtic team still trying to adjust to Brendan Rodgers and his ethos.
