Borussia Dortmund manager Nuri Sahin has sung the praises of Celtic’s star forward Kyogo Furuhashi ahead of their highly anticipated Champions League clash at Signal Iduna Park. The Japanese striker, in sensational form, has netted four goals in his last four matches, including a crucial strike in Celtic’s 5-1 rout of Slovan Bratislava on matchday one.
Sahin didn’t hold back in his admiration for Kyogo, highlighting the intelligence and sharpness the forward brings to Celtic’s attack. “If you really want a name, I’m a big, big fan of your striker,” Sahin admitted to The Scotsman. “Furuhashi is not your typical big No.9, but he’s incredibly smart. I love the way he moves off the ball and the timing of his runs. He’s got a tactical brain you don’t often see in forwards.”
Kyogo’s latest brace in Celtic’s emphatic 6-0 victory over St Johnstone at the weekend only solidified his form. That result pushed Brendan Rodgers’ side to a remarkable 17-match winning streak, further boosting confidence ahead of the showdown in Germany. Despite the daunting atmosphere at Dortmund’s home ground, Sahin is well aware that Celtic are anything but underdogs.
“You’re talking about a team that hasn’t lost in ages and hasn’t even conceded a goal in their domestic league,” Sahin noted. “They dominated their first Champions League match, and it would be unfair to label them underdogs.”
Sahin also took time to recognise Celtic’s stature as one of football’s historic clubs, as well as the quality they possess in their current squad. “Celtic is a prestigious club with some amazing talent and a fantastic coach,” he continued. “It’ll be a tough game, especially in our stadium, but I’m looking forward to the challenge. I don’t think they’ve faced a test like this yet this season, but I wouldn’t write them off.”
Celtic go into the tie knowing any sort of result in Germany would dramatically help their chances of progression out of the league phase. However, Celtic fans are going with hope more than expectation. Celtic have been flying but as Sahin did point out, we’ve not been up against a team like Dortmund yet, who were in last season’s Champions League final
