Novelty value aside, Ange Postecoglou admits Tuesday afternoon’s Ferencvaros clash is a must-not-fail occasion.
The Celtic boss is also well aware of nightmare logistical issues for supporters attending the Europa League crunch tie and the sacrifices that will be made.
It’s a reunion with a Hungarian side who inflicted the earliest Champions League exit in 15 years for Neil Lennon ’s Hoops
last summer.
Postecoglou’s priority is putting the three points on the board in Group G after defeats by Real Betis and Bayer Leverkusen.
But he has also hailed fans for working around the problematic kick-off time due to issues over Glasgow hosting COP 26.
He said: “It’s an unusual set of circumstances that has turned this into an afternoon kick-off in midweek. We just have to plan around it. You roll with it.
“We have still sold a ridiculous amount of tickets for this match, given the situation.
“It just shows how committed our supporters are – some will have taken time off work or family duties to support the team.
“I appreciate that because it’s part of the excitement of Europe and the atmosphere at Celtic Park.
“It’s heartening and pleasing to hear we are going to have a good turnout and hopefully we will reward the supporters for those sacrifices.”
Half days at work – and maybe some fans throwing a sickie – should ensure a decent enough atmosphere inside Celtic Park.
It’s the first of a double-header with
Ferencvaros that will either provide a path to progress or kill any hopes stone dead.
Postecoglou didn’t attempt to dilute the importance of the matches against the Hungarians.
He said: “They are absolutely pivotal. Our first two results in the group weren’t great although our performance against Betis (deserved) something out of that game. When you play away in Europe it’s always tough – but we let ourselves down in some key moments.
“Against Leverkusen we had some really bright moments against quality opposition.
“But again we let ourselves down and paid a price. That’s the level we want to be competing at so we understand.
“It’s left us with the clear objective for Tuesday – we have to win the game if we are going to stay alive in the group.
“It’s the same for Ferencvaros. They will be looking at it in the same light so it should be a cracking game.
“Recent experience tells us this will be tough. Every game has been challenging whether that was Midtjylland or AZ.
“Apart from the Leverkusen game our home performances have been good and strong. Hopefully that continues this week.”
The international break has allowed the Australian to take a breath and begin
putting in place some of the infrastructure he believes is vital to getting his revolution kicked on to another key stage.
He insists his Hoops side are already unrecognisable from the last time Ferencvaros came calling.
He said: “Anyone who takes a bird’s-eye view of what has happened will see that there has been a major and structural rebuild on and off the pitch.
“The starting XI from 12 months ago will be almost unrecognisable to what it will be on Tuesday. But that’s the opportunity, to build something new that will be exciting for our fans and hopefully bring success to the club.
“The break has allowed me to maybe look further ahead, which is important. You can rightly become focused on the here and now when you’ve matches twice a week.
“But without any games I was able to sit down with (interim chief executive) Michael Nicholson and look at what we need to do in terms of the football department.
“In terms of January, we started putting some plans in place.
“That’s the bit you feel uneasy about when you are in the middle of a big rebuild yet your focus needs to be on the games at hand.
“So having those two weeks where we could look ahead a little bit has been important.”
Postecoglou also revealed a new face has arrived at the club’s Lennoxtown base whom he hopes will be a crucial addition to a vital department.
He said: “We added Anton McElhone to our sports science department which has been fantastic.
“The support he has given to the medical and sports science department has been badly needed.
“So having Anton in has been brilliant and now we are looking at other areas, especially around scouting and recruiting.
“We need people in there with the right expertise and who are the right fit for the club.
“We are planning towards that. We are not rushing to decisions because these people will be crucial to what we are trying to build.”
