LASK head coach Dietmar Kuhbauer has insisted the pressure is all on Celtic as his Austrian side target a Champions League upset in the first leg of their play-off at Celtic Park tomorrow night.
The Austrian title-winners are dreaming of reaching Europe's top competition for the first time in their history. And after Celtic crashed to a humiliating exit to Kairat Almaty last year, Kuhbauer believes his underdogs can pull off another shock.
Kuhbauer: Pressure on Celtic
He said: "We believe in ourselves. Celtic have a little bit more pressure because everybody knows Celtic. We are a small club but still a good club. But for Celtic, it’s more pressure than us."
"But I don’t go into my meeting and tell the guys they have more pressure. We have to believe in ourselves. We have 90 minutes, and we have to play at the highest level. The quality from Celtic is better than in Austria."
"If we qualify for the Champions League, we get a lot of money and that’s wonderful for the club and players. And we can play against the best in Europe. That’s the dream for a lot of players and our goal."
Respect for O'Neill
Experienced Kuhbauer, 55, is relishing the chance to pit his wits against managerial veteran Martin O'Neill over two powderkeg ties. But the Austrian - who led double-winning LASK to their first piece of silverware in 61 years - insists his side won't park the bus in Glasgow.
He said: "I think Martin’s a legend to start with. I do think it’s important for him to realise who he’s up against as well. It’s important to go on to the pitch for the players and to try and do everything we can. We don’t intend just to run behind them, we want to try and make them play as well."
"I know everything about Celtic. Celtic is a club with a long tradition. We know their squad, we know every player. We have a very strong team but anything can happen."
No Specific Result
Asked what would constitute a good result, Kuhbauer said: "What is a good result? I don’t think I can give you a specific result by the end. Obviously victory would be amazing. But I don’t think a good match is only to be defined by the results and the goals scored by the end of it."
"So I can’t give you a definite answer to that. For me it is clear. Celtic is a very tough team, in my opinion, and we have to play at our highest level. If not, it will be very difficult to get into the Champions League but that’s our goal."
"It’s important that we don’t bow in front of this gigantic backdrop and we just do whatever we can to win it."
Meanwhile goalkeeper Lucas Jungwirth says LASK stars have been picking the brains of ex-St Mirren ace Miguel Freckleton for intel. He added: "We already talked with him and we know a few tricks. He told us about the atmosphere. But we should not be scared. It should give us a push."
