Chris Sutton assesses Celtic-Inter
Thursday, February 12, 2015
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With Celtic FC gearing up for their last-32 clash with FC Internazionale Milano, Chris Sutton – a Bhoys player in the 2003 UEFA Cup final – gives UEFA.com his take on the tie.
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When the UEFA Europa League round of 32 draw was made in December, heads were turned by the reunion of the clubs that met in the 1967 European Cup final, Celtic FC and FC Internazionale Milano.
Celtic stage the first leg next Thursday with happy memories of their victory 48 years ago in Lisbon, and have hit domestic form since the end of the group stage, while Inter have struggled. UEFA.com spoke to former Celtic striker Chris Sutton, who helped the Glaswegians to their most recent European final in the 2003 UEFA Cup, about how the Scottish champions should approach the tie, and who the main UEFA Europa League contenders will be.
Chris Sutton will be commentating on Celtic v Inter for BT Sport, who will show the game live in the United Kingdom from 7.30pm GMT.
On Celtic's form ...
I think they are shaping up well. Their form domestically has improved as the season has gone on. Celtic have a major chance in this tie. I think it's a 50-50 game. Inter certainly aren't tearing up any trees at the moment – I think they have won three games since November. I still think they'll have a threat with the likes of [Mauro] Icardi and [Xherdan] Shaqiri, but Celtic will give Inter a real run for their money.
On injuries and new signings ...
The disappointing thing from Celtic's point of view is [Kris] Commons picked up a hamstring injury at the weekend and [Mikael] Lustig looks to have a pretty serious injury. If Celtic miss those two players it could have a bit of an impact on the team. But having said that, there are players that could step in, the likes of [Stuart] Armstrong and [Gary] Mackay-Steven [both signed from Dundee United FC] – it will be interesting to see whether manager Ronny Deila uses them for Europe. But Celtic's problem in European competition this season has been they've leaked too many goals. I'm hoping they have learned their lessons, but they stand a chance.
On switch from dominance in Scotland to European games ...
You are just hoping because they are winning so easily, they are not switching off in any way as this is a totally different game. It's the tie of the round for me – two real giants of European football. Both won the European Cup. All the talk in Glasgow is of the Lisbon Lions in 1966/67, and it's going to be a big night at Celtic Park. For the Celtic players, this is the game they will remember from this season.
On Inter's form ...
Shaqiri – I like him. He is pitching up on the right-hand side although he is a left-footer. He's a top player – he's looked a real threat in recent weeks. And they've got Icardi, the 21-year-old Argentinian who's attracting a lot of attention from English clubs. He scored two at the weekend against Palermo – he looks a real prospect. Roberto Mancini has struggled to make his mark [at Inter] and this competition is where he can make his mark, so they'll be taking this competition more seriously than any other.
On Celtic's approach ...
Celtic have to make sure they play with balance – they can't be gung-ho. They've made mistakes in terms of the way they've set out with a high pressing game at times in Europe – against better players you have to sit back at times. So I think Celtic have to be a bit more cagey. I would say if Celtic can get a goalless draw at home that's not the worst result. Clean sheets are critical at this stage of the competition.
On the Warsaw contenders ...
There are so many good teams left in the competition. Liverpool have their work cut out against Beşiktaş, who are flying this season. Sevilla, Napoli, Wolfsburg, Villarreal; Salzburg look a decent side; Tottenham are improving all the time – so many good sides left. But Celtic have a chance as on any given day they have enough good players at the club to beat anybody.