Brendan Rodgers aims to take Celtic to the “next step” in the Champions League but says they won’t underestimate opponents Young Boys as they look for the victory that will take them over the line.
The Swiss champions arrive at Parkhead on Wednesday without a single point from their six games so far and already knowing their campaign is over after the league stage comes to an end.
Celtic, on the other hand, are realistically a victory away from reaching the knockout stages of Europe’s premier tournament for the first time in 12 years.
The Hoops have lost just one of the league stage games and have recorded three wins and three draws to put them on the cusp of the playoffs.
Depending on other results this week, they could have their place in the next round secured with a game to spare if they take all three points on Wednesday.
However, Rodgers insists they are taking nothing for granted and expect a tough game against the Swiss champions.
The manager said: “We want to win it, that’s for sure, and it is a game we are really excited about.
“The campaign has been really good for us so far, especially at home, so we are really looking forward to the game.
“You have to respect every team at this level. There will be lots of noise about their record and where they are that, but they are a team that won the Swiss league by 12 points.
“Obviously, it hasn’t gone so well for them this season, but in the games we have watched, they have what you expect a team at this level to have.
“They have athletic ability and good quality, but our focus has to be very much on ourselves.
“So we will respect our opponents but for us we want to really press and attack the game for 90+ minutes and if we can do that then it could be a great night for us.
“It’s a great position for us to be in, when we started this journey we wanted to show that we can compete at this level and then make the next step by getting to the playoff stage.
“And we have a good opportunity now to take that next step.”
The manager is hoping for another “special night” at Celtic Park on Wednesday.
He said: “It’s what makes Celtic Park so special, many teams will tell you about their stadiums and the atmosphere, but this really is special.
“We have a stadium that really is iconic with the atmosphere it creates, it’s hard to analyse that but it is just how it feels.
“Night games here in the Champions league gives us a real connection with the past and the great story that this club has with this competition.
“It’s what the history and culture of this club has been set on.”
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