Scott Brown Details Where Celtic Can Cause Damage in the Champions League
Former Celtic captain Scott Brown has offered his insights on how his old club can make an impact in this season’s Champions League. As a veteran of many European campaigns with the Hoops, Brown knows all too well the challenges Celtic face in Europe’s elite competition. However, he remains optimistic about their chances, highlighting key areas where the Scottish champions can exploit their opponents and cause damage on the biggest stage.
Brown, who led Celtic to several domestic titles and played a pivotal role in their European nights, believes that the club’s hallmark high-intensity football could be the key to upsetting bigger teams in the Champions League. Celtic’s pressing game, which has been a staple under managers like Brendan Rodgers and Ange Postecoglou, is something Brown thinks can unsettle more technically gifted teams.
“Celtic have always been at their best when they play with pace and press high up the pitch. The Champions League teams might be more comfortable on the ball, but if Celtic can press them aggressively and win possession in dangerous areas, they’ll definitely create chances,” Brown explained in a recent interview.
He pointed to Celtic’s ability to exploit transitions, suggesting that when the team wins the ball back quickly and counters with speed, they can hurt even the most organized defenses. Brown believes this approach will be vital in games where Celtic are likely to have less possession, particularly against teams with stronger squads.
Another major factor Brown touched on was the unique advantage Celtic have when playing at home. Known for its electric atmosphere, Celtic Park has been the setting for some memorable European nights, where even the biggest teams have struggled to cope with the intensity of the crowd and the team’s relentless play.
“There’s no place like Celtic Park on a European night,” Brown said. “The noise, the passion—it gives the players an extra gear. I’ve seen top teams come to Glasgow and really struggle to handle it. If the fans are behind them, Celtic can make it really tough for anyone who comes to play at Parkhead.”
Brown believes that making the most of their home fixtures will be key to Celtic’s success in the group stages. Picking up points in Glasgow could give them a platform to fight for qualification, especially against teams who might underestimate the difficulty of playing in front of Celtic’s passionate supporters.
The former captain also highlighted Celtic’s potential to hurt teams from set-pieces. With players like Cameron Carter-Vickers and Gustaf Lagerbielke offering height and physicality, Brown thinks that well-drilled set-pieces can be an effective weapon for Rodgers’ side.
“In Europe, teams are usually more cautious, and set-pieces become crucial. Celtic have some big lads in the squad, and if they can get the delivery right, they can really cause problems,” Brown noted. “Corners and free-kicks can be a game-changer, especially in tight matches where the chances are few and far between.”
Brown also stressed the importance of Celtic’s key players stepping up in the Champions League. He singled out Kyogo Furuhashi, Matt O’Riley, and Callum McGregor as pivotal figures who can drive the team forward in crucial moments.
“Kyogo’s movement and finishing will be essential in Europe, especially against top-level defenses. He’s got that instinct to find space, and Celtic will need him to take the chances that come his way. McGregor’s experience in midfield is going to be massive, too—he’s the one who controls the game and keeps things ticking. And with O’Riley’s creativity, Celtic can really open up defenses.”
### Conclusion
While acknowledging the uphill battle Celtic face against Europe’s elite, Scott Brown remains confident that the Scottish champions have the tools to make a mark in this year’s Champions League. By playing to their strengths—intensity, home advantage, set-pieces, and key players stepping up—Celtic have a blueprint to cause some upsets and potentially progress through the group stages.
“Celtic will always be seen as underdogs in the Champions League, but that’s when they’re at their best,” Brown said. “If they can stick to their game plan, get the crowd behind them, and take their chances, there’s no reason they can’t cause a few surprises.”
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