LASK boss Dietmar Kühbauer has sent Celtic a strong warning ahead of tomorrow night’s Champions League play-off second leg at the Raiffeisen Arena.
The Hoops comfortably ran out winners in the end last Wednesday, despite some nervy moments, particularly in the first half.
He said (TCW): “The most important thing is that we hit the right gear as soon as we can, we have to take risks in this game.
“It doesn’t mean we leave ourselves exposed, but we shouldn’t play with caution. We can’t let Celtic come and take the game to us, we have to be the team that takes the game to them.
“We have to start well in the game, but it’s going to be tough in any case. We’re talking about a very good Celtic team. But our objective has to be to score, not let them score, but we need three goals.”
Kühbauer believes LASK getting the first goal on Tuesday night could make all the difference in whether the tie remains alive.
He added: “Everyone speaks about getting a quick goal, which would be good for the team tomorrow.
“One goal can make a huge difference and give us a chance of turning the game around. We’re looking forward to the game.
“If it’s late in the game, you have to take away defensive players and throw on attacking players. We’ll have to throw everything at them, the kitchen sink at them. That’s how it is if you need goals.”
It is certainly a strong signal of intent that LASK will go full throttle, but if Celtic play like they did in the first leg, even the Austrian champions at their best will still face a huge task.
The intense nature of Austrian football means it is unlikely to be a comfortable night despite Celtic’s 3-0 advantage.
Expect LASK to play with as much intensity and pressing as possible, but that could also play into Celtic’s hands. The Hoops will look to control the game and pick their moments, just as they did so expertly in the first leg.
Celtic supporters will be hoping Martin O’Neill’s European experience once again proves decisive.
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