Kairat Almaty manager Rafael Urazbakhtin believes Celtic may have taken his side too lightly in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier.
With the tie still level at 0-0 going into Tuesday night’s decider in Kazakhstan, the home side now sense an opportunity.
Celtic struggled to break down Kairat at Parkhead, and while they dominated possession, they lacked the cutting edge needed to take control of the tie. Urazbakhtin feels that his players earned more respect with their disciplined performance in Glasgow.
The mood around Celtic has been tense in recent days, with fans voicing their frustration over the club’s lack of signings and injuries mounting at a crucial time. Despite that, Urazbakhtin remains wary of the quality Brendan Rodgers has at his disposal.
Rodgers, meanwhile, is backing the team to deliver when it matters most. After the 3-0 win over Livingston at the weekend, the Irishman made it clear they are going to Kazakhstan with one goal, to qualify.
Urazbakhtin said: (SunSport), “Celtic players may have underestimated us at home.
“Now they will look at our game in a different way.
“I think they will have a different motivation and attitude.
“Yes, there is a negative atmosphere around Celtic. But I think this is a team of high-level players.
“I think they are used to dealing with such issues.
“They understand that everything depends on them. We also think that everything depends on us.
“I don’t think there is a bigger pressure on Celtic than on our home team.
“We will try to meet them and qualify to the group stage.
“And our task is to make it happen, to do everything we can.”
After the 3-0 win over Livingston, Rodgers said of the trip to Kazakhstan: “We know what we need to do. We’ll take this squad and hopefully get the job done on Tuesday.
“In the main, we’ve started strongly. The difference now in this second leg is that it’s winner takes all. Everything is there for us to do it.
“They’re a good side, well-organised and it’s always tough in European football to go away. But we know we need the result. And we’re going to give absolutely everything to get the result and be at the top table of European football.
“I think people will see a different Celtic team.”
The build-up to this second leg has been full of talking points, with both managers recognising the high stakes. Urazbakhtin is confident his team will be lifted by their home support and is determined to make history by reaching the league phase.
Both sides believe the outcome is in their hands. Urazbakhtin has urged his players to leave everything out on the pitch, while Rodgers is calling on experience and belief to carry his side through.
There’s no more room for error. After 90 minutes in Glasgow with nothing to show, it all comes down to one night in Almaty.
