Roy Aitken: This is a positive test for us | OneFootball

Celtic legend Roy Aitken is looking forward to tonight’s UEFA Champions League clash against Atalanta, describing it as a “massive test” for the Hoops, but one that the team can rise to.

As the Hoops gear up for matchday three in Bergamo, Aitken reflected on the significance of picking up points away from home, especially in such a competitive format which is new for the competition.

He said: “I think it’s a great game. I love the format this year with the eight games. Our four away ties were always going to be difficult.

“We saw that in Dortmund, and it’ll be the same again tonight against Atalanta. These are great games for the players to be involved in, and I believe we do have a chance.

“We have to be at our best to do that.”

Aitken praised Brendan Rodgers for elevating the team’s level and highlighted how well the Hoops have been performing so far this season, both domestically and in Europe.

He said: “It’s a massive test, but it’s a test in a positive way. Brendan’s always said continuously he wants to take the level of the group up, and he’s done that. We’ve played great football from the start of the season, sitting up there at the top of the league.

“We had a fantastic night against Slovan Bratislava at Celtic Park a few weeks ago, one of the best nights I’ve seen there, to be honest. The supporters were fantastic, and the team played so well. Brendan’s building a squad to compete at this level.”

Looking at tonight’s challenge, Aitken emphasised the quality of Atalanta, who are Europa League winners, but he believes Celtic’s home form will be the key to progressing in the competition.

He added: “This is a tough match. Atalanta are a top team in Italy, and they won the Europa League last year. It’s always good to gauge ourselves at this level, but I think it’s our home form at Celtic Park that will determine where we go. Any points picked up away, including tonight, will be a real bonus.”

Aitken also looked forward to another key fixture in the group – the Hoops’ clash with Aston Villa in January. Having spent time at Villa as a coach, Aitken reflected on the significance of that match for the fans and the players.

He said: “It’s another great game. Villa’s a great club, and I was there for three years during my coaching career. It’ll be a fantastic atmosphere, and their manager has them playing really well. Last year, they qualified for the Champions League, which is great for them.

“I’d like us to have some points in the bag before we get to that game at the end of January. It’ll be a great game for the fans and the players, and it’s fantastic for Celtic to be involved at this Champions League level. To play the best teams in Europe and Villa are definitely one of those teams as well.”

Reflecting on Celtic’s recent 2-2 draw with Aberdeen at Paradise, Aitken was impressed with the Dons but remains confident in Celtic’s position as the dominant force in Scottish football.

He said: “I enjoyed the game. Aberdeen showed they’re going to be a challenger this year, to a point. But are they going to topple us at the end of the season? I doubt it very much.

“I think we’re still far better than anyone else in the country. All credit to Aberdeen – I had good times up there, winning the League Cup when I was manager. But my best days were at Celtic Park, so my loyalty is with Celtic when it comes to those games.

“Aberdeen did well, and their new manager has them playing well. We play them in a couple of weeks of course at Hampden, but I still think we’re far better than any other team in Scottish football at this moment.”

More on the game

Celts train at Paradise

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Follow the UEFA Champions League build-up and all the match action live from Atalanta v Celtic on the official Celtic FC Match Centre.

Fixtures

Atalanta Vs. Celtic - Wed, Oct 23rd 2024, 18:45