Atalanta v Celtic – “We can’t lose belief that we are a good side,” Callum McGregor

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The Celtic Star

·22 ottobre 2024

Atalanta v Celtic – “We can’t lose belief that we are a good side,” Callum McGregor

Callum McGregor joined his manager Brendan Rodgers on media duties this afternoon in Bergamo ahead of tomorrow evening’s Champions League showdown with Atalanta at their compact Gewiss stadium which has a capacity of 25,000…

Celtic v Aberdeen – Callum McGregor applauds the fans after the final whistle in the Scottish Premiership match at Celtic Park, Saturday October 19, 2024. Photo Jane Barlow

Dortmund, Dortmund, Dortmund

The Celtic captain was continually question about the previous match in Dortmund and explained that the Celtic squad have learned the lessons from that, insisting that Celtic are a good team and are more that capable of causing the Europa League holders problems on their own patch.

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“That’s the challenge for the group – to stand up in those moments and control the game without the ball, as well as with it. At this level, you’ve got to be good at both aspects of the game. We need to be together, be resolute. And when we get the ball, we know we can cause them problems.

“It was a difficult night last time out, but we can’t lose belief that we are a good side. We know we are a good team, but at this level, you can get punished by strong opponents.

‘We’re determined to put it right. The boys are feeling good, and we’ve arrived here ready.Now, it’s about producing a performance on the pitch to match that.”

Cameron Carter-Vickers is back in training ahead of Celtic’s game against Atalanta in the Champions League. Photo Celtic FC

Celtic boosted by the return of CCV

Celtic are boosted by the return of Cameron Carter-Vickers who trained today and travelled. It’s unthinkable that he won’t play in such a crucial game and his presence could be a significant factor in Celtic putting in a much more competitive showing compared to Dortmund where essentially the roof fell in that dreadful first half.

Another intriguing selection to look out for is who plays the number 9 role. Kyogo is the first pick and scored at the weekend against Aberdeen, but Adam Idah offers something completely different and his height and strength could help get Celtic up the park, plus offer added protect at the back at set pieces.

Celtic striker Adam Idah Photo: Jane Barlow

Reo, Reo Hatate

And while the captain is certain to play, it will be interesting if Brendan Rodgers opts to go with Reo Hatate ahead of Paulo Bernardo who got the nod in Dortmund. Hatate hasn’t been firing on all cylinders this season so far but could be a significant player for Celtic tomorrow night playing alongside Arnie Engels.

Here’s Callum McGregor’s media conference ahead of Atalanta v Celtic, in the Champions League. Kick-off is at 5.45pm CPT.

COYBIG!