Larsson awaits Villarreal trial

UEFA Cup diarist Henrik Larsson knew that Celtic FC had a tough tie at home to Villarreal CF, and the free-scoring Swede was not disappointed as the Spanish side earned a 1-1 draw in Glasgow. With the second leg looming, Larsson knows his team have it all to do in Spain.

By Henrik Larsson

We are under no illusions as to how tough it is going to be in the second leg against Villarreal, but the most important thing is that we believe in ourselves. If we didn't think we could win this game then we might as well stay at home. There's no point going into a match like this focusing on how difficult it is because that means you've lost before you even walk on to the pitch.

New situation 
We believe in ourselves and know that every player in a Celtic shirt will fight until the final whistle. Of course we've faced difficult away games before, especially Liverpool FC and Boavista FC, but to be honest we will not be thinking about them this week. This is a new season and a new situation and we just have to concentrate on Villarreal.

Early blow 
We were obviously disappointed that we conceded a goal in the first leg. Keeping a clean sheet at home is a crucial part of success in Europe, but they caught us out early in the game. We played quite well throughout and certainly after half-time I thought we looked dangerous. We kept calm and tried to be patient looking for the equaliser, which I thought we had got when I charged down a clearance. I was really surprised when the referee disallowed it for handball.

Still open
It was so important to get the goal back that we knew we could not let that decision affect us, so we didn't panic and kept looking for an opening. It was a real relief to score the equaliser, which meant the tie was right back in the balance. It is still open and that is the important thing.

Team effort
We know we have to go there and score. Of course that puts a bit of pressure on the forwards but it is up to the whole team. There is no point scoring if we then concede two goals. This is a team effort and every player will do his bit. Personally I do not care where the goal comes from. We have to put the ball in the net from somewhere and so long as we do then I will be happy.

Sole object
After we had beaten FC Barcelona in the last round some people thought Villareal would be an easy match, but we knew any team that beats AS Roma and Galatasaray SK is going to be difficult. That is what they have proved. They are a very talented group of players who move the ball about well and attack with speed and accuracy. But we have good players and will go into this match with only one object: to win.

Henrik Larsson's website is at www.icons.com