SNS GroupFerencvaros won’t underestimate Celtic, head coach Balazs Borbely has warned ahead of their Europa League opener.
The 46-year-old was part of the Artmedia Bratislava team that almost squandered a 5-0 first-leg advantage away to the Hoops in a Champions League qualifier in 2005 before holding on for a 5-4 aggregate win over Gordon Strachan’s side.
“My memories of that are quite positive because we qualified for the next round, but I remember that it was a really tough game,” said Borbely, whose side is a point off the top of the fledgling Hungarian table with a game in hand.
“After 5-0 in Bratislava, we were losing 4-0, and there were about 10 minutes left. It was a really tough game, but in general, the memories are really positive.
“I was lucky to experience the Celtic Park atmosphere as a player. I know what is waiting for our players, but this is not our first difficult game in Europe, so I expect a brave performance.”
Ferencvaros midfielder Daniel Arzani is another who has prior experience of Celtic Park after the Australian made two appearances for the Hoops in an injury-disrupted two years on loan from Manchester City between 2018 and 2020.
“I’m really excited to be back here,” said the 27-year-old, who was a squad-mate of current Hoops’ trio Callum McGregor, James Forrest and Tony Ralston. “It’s an incredible atmosphere and a club with a lot of history. Personally, it was a difficult period for me being here.
“I was 19 years old, and I had a cruciate ligament injury on my debut. But I’m happy to be back and walking out into the stadium there felt surreal.
“For me, it’s just a little bit nostalgic. I’m just excited to get out there and play.
“I know the atmosphere is going to be incredible. We’re not just here for the fun of it. I think we can give it a really good shot.”
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