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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Walker

Ferencvaros boss fears Celtic atmosphere as he predicts 'completely different' Europa League showdown

Ferencvaros boss Peter Stoger has warned his players to expect a completely different Celtic in front of a packed Parkhead.

The Hungarians suffered a major setback ahead of the tie after a run of six winning league games in a row came to a surprise end with defeat to Zalaegerszeg.

Stoger was forced to deny he deliberately played a weakened team to prepare for the match in Glasgow after making several changes.

Last season, the Budapest side stunned Celtic with a 2-1 victory in a Champions League qualifier at Parkhead which eliminated Neil Lennon 's side.

But that was at an empty Parkhead and Stoger is well aware it will be a new challenge against Ange Postecoglou's outfit.

He said: "The match against Celtic will be a completely different match than last season because the stadium will be open and the fans are allowed.

"That means there will be a completely different atmosphere.

"We have two matches against the Scots and it's imperative we collect points from both of them.

"We haven't played badly in the two group games so far, but we haven't gained anything. Our task against Celtic is to get points.

"I changed the team because I wanted to rest some players who had been on international duty and were tired. It was necessary to do that."

However, Fenecvaros did get one positive ahead of the journey to Scotland - the return of star striker Franck Boli, who had previously been dumped in the reserves due to leaving the club without permission.

Stoger said: "He was very motivated, he really wanted to succeed, which is why I wished him to score. What was expected of him, he did.

"He didn’t train with the team for a few weeks, but we discussed and clarified the situation. There are rules that everyone has to follow. He understood my decision and never questioned it.

"I think everyone deserves a second chance, which is why we brought him back and now we are moving forward together."

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