Celtic will be making their return to the main stage of the UEFA Champions League next season after many years and it is safe to say that the excitement is already starting to build up. European nights under the lights at Parkhead are truly special and the majority of the club’s players will get to experience that for the first time in the upcoming campaign.
No matter who Celtic end up drawing, there are bound to be some big games for Ange Postecoglou’s side to navigate through and as a result, some marquee fixtures to look forward to as well.
Every player will have their preference when it comes to who they would want Celtic to face in the Champions League and for Liel Abada, that club appears to be Paris Saint-Germain. It looks like the Israeli international would the love the opportunity to play against Lionel Messi, who he admits is his hero.
As reported by the Daily Record [print edition, 28/05, page 63] (via 67 Hail Hail), Abada said:
“The Champions League was a childhood dream. It’s going to be a very challenging season.
“In Israel my hero was Yossi Benayoun. He is an admirable figure for everyone. Abroad? It’s Messi. He has 7 Ballon d’Ors and is just incredible. Expressing yourself year after year like he has is amazing. Theoretically I could play him this season with PSG in the Champions League group stage. That would be amazing but we will wait for the draw and see.”
Why Abada wants Celtic to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League
Now, when it comes to their chances of winning a game, coming up against Paris Saint-Germain would be a tough task for Celtic. Other than Messi, they also have superstars like Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and several others among their ranks.
At the same time though, there are going to be no easy games in the Champions League and it is about coming up against the best teams in Europe.
It will also be very interesting to see how the style of football that Postecoglou’s side play holds up against the truly top oppositions in the Champions League. There is no doubt that the manager will be looking to go toe-to-toe against the biggest teams in the world and take the game to them. What kind of results it will bear, only time shall tell.
This article was originally posted here