Celtic right-back Josip Juranovic is looking forward to getting the European campaign underway in a memorable city to many of the Hoops support.
Speaking to the club website, although not as many fans will be allowed to make the trip to Spain for tomorrow’s fixture, the Croatian is already well aware of the stories from the Hoops famous run to the UEFA Cup final in 2003 and knows that fans will continue to cheer the side on, despite not being there.
“We want to see ourselves in this tournament because it’s a big stage for us and for our fans also,” said Juranovic. “We can’t wait to get into the game tomorrow.
“I’ve heard the stories of when in 2003, we reached the final stage of the competition and that our supporters came in numbers. That’s perfect for this club and for us also.
“There might not be as many supporters there this time, but we know that they’ll all be watching from home.
“I hope that the fans can watch at home and cheer for us. Football is all about supporters. When you have fans behind you, they are like the 12th player, and when they cheer for you, you’re able to give 200 per cent from yourself.
“We will see how the game goes. We have our style of football that we want to play. We want to keep the ball at our feet, keep possession, and if not, we’ll defend like a team altogether.”
It has been a busy schedule for the 25-year old since making his move from Legia Warsaw in the summer transfer window.
After making his debut at Ibrox and his first start at Parkhead last Saturday, it is expected that tomorrow evening he will get his first taste of European football in the Hoops in the group stage opener.
Unfortunately, he won’t get the full taste of Celtic’s travelling away support in Europe. But there is no doubt that some will make the trip to Spain.
With the injury issues Ange Postecoglou has had to face, there is a chance that Juranovic will be playing in the more unfamiliar role at left-back.
However, it is clear to see his commitment to the cause so early on and how he will look to do what the manager has asked of him to the best of his ability.
