In terms of sport, YB’s guest appearance in Glasgow is of little importance. The Bernese team still has goals.
In the “old” mode, YB’s European Cup adventure would already be over. Since there are eight group games scheduled in the newly created league phase, the Bernese can still go on a lap of honor in the last two weeks of January, although for YB it is literally still about honor.
Live notice
Open the box
Box zuklappen
The game between Celtic Glasgow and YB will be live on SRF two on Wednesday at 9 p.m. The summaries of all other games will follow in the “Champions League – Highlights” program.
The Young Boys did nothing in the fall to ensure they were received with awe in a big football city. In the current season, YB is the worst of all Champions League participants with 0 points from 6 games and a goal difference of minus 19. The prospect of improving the balance sheet in Glasgow is not rosy. In the previous twelve away games in the group and league phases of the Champions League, the best results were two draws.
A question of ego
“It is a stage where there is nothing to apologize for,” says YB coach Giorgio Contini, looking ahead to the game. In Glasgow it’s all about “your own ego”. Despite the expected hot atmosphere, the 51-year-old wants to see a courageous team. “We can’t just isolate ourselves and we’ll come to our possibilities.”
-Contini, who made his debut last weekend in a 0-0 draw against Winterthur that was particularly disappointing in terms of results, could make his first statement in Glasgow. A victory in the Champions League is not a given for a team from the Super League, and certainly not one at Celtic Glasgow. No Swiss team has been able to win against the 54-time Scottish champions in 9 attempts (8 defeats, 1 draw).
Itten’s return
Cedric Itten has a special game coming up. The striker spent a year and a half in the Scottish capital, but wore the jersey of Celtic’s great rivals Glasgow Rangers. Itten has experienced firsthand how good the atmosphere at Celtic Park can be. “I was once 3-0 behind with the Rangers after 30 minutes. I don’t want to experience that again.”
Itten expects a more open game than against Winterthur, when YB struggled against a deep opponent. What’s top at Celtic is their mentality and willingness to fight. “They are always on top of their game, from the first to the last minute.”
A Bern victory would not only be beneficial for morale, but also for the club’s finances. A three-pointer in the league phase is worth almost two million francs. Last but not least, Itten’s old friends in Scotland would also be happy. He received many messages from old acquaintances “that we should win.”
Champions League
Swiss
