Sports Evolve
According to the Glasgow Times, Ange Postecoglou believes Bodo/Glimt have demonstrated they can test Celtic but will not change their style in the Europa Conference League.
On Thursday, the Hoops welcome Kjetil Knutsen’s team in the first leg of their final round play-off. Glimt qualified for the final 32 after placing second to Roma in Group C, whereas Celtic were eliminated after finishing third in their Europa League group.
Bodo/shocking Glimt’s results in both of their encounters with Roma, Postecoglou believes, have given Celtic all the cautions they require. After Roger Ibanez scored a late equaliser, the Aspmyra Stadion team came within six minutes of completing a stunning double over Jose Mourinho’s side.
In October, Bodo/Glimt upset the Giallorossi by defeating the Stadio Olimpico hosts 6-1 at home. They went on to lead twice in Rome before Ibanez scored a late equalizer, culminating in a 2-2 draw that gave Roma a one-point lead in Group C.
Knutsen immediately put Postecoglou on notice by engineering Bodo/shock Glimt’s win over Roma at home before Celtic drew them. The Bhoys boss has grown to admire his Norwegian opponent and his preferred style of play.
Postecoglou, on the other hand, is unwilling to change the strategy that Celtic has created to defeat Bodo/Glimt in their Europa Conference League match. Instead, he expects a fireworks showdown between the two sides at Parkhead and the Aspmyra Stadion in the second leg next week.
“People should realise what they did to Roma,” Postecoglou said. “They did it in Rome, as well. They grabbed my attention back then – before we knew we were going to play them.
“They have an outstanding manager and they play an aggressive, expansive style of football… I’ve got no doubt they will both be cracking games because of the way they play and we won’t change our approach.”
Celtic will play Bodo/Glimt in the Europa Conference League on the back of a 17-game unbeaten streak, which includes nine victories. Glimt are now in the middle of their pre-season program, while the Hoops have scored 14 goals in their past four games across all competitions.
