Celtic and Sweden playmaker Benjamin Nygren has admitted the squad “have to try and move on” from the Champions League heartbreak that is lingering over their season. The 25-year-old spoke to the media in Sweden ahead of the Nations League clash with Poland, reflecting on a difficult period for the Scottish champions.
Stunning Collapse Against LASK
Celtic appeared to be cruising in the playoff second leg against LASK when Callum McGregor's effort deflected into the net, giving Martin O'Neill's men a 4-0 aggregate lead. However, the Scottish champions conceded five goals to fall at the final hurdle before the league phase, a collapse few could have predicted.
Since dropping into the Europa League, Celtic lost their first game of the campaign to Ferencvaros. That 3-1 loss came in the middle of defeats to Rangers, with Celtic crashing out of the Premier Sports Cup at the hands of their rivals before Derek McInnes' men took three vital Premiership points back to Ibrox from Parkhead.
Nygren on the Impact
Nygren felt the Linz humiliation had left a lasting impact: “It's tough of course. As a player you always want to play in the biggest tournaments and I'm looking forward to going to the Champions League so much.
“It's extra tough especially after we missed out on penalties last year. You have to try to move on as quickly as possible. It can't sit around for too long, but it's difficult.”
He added: “The fans want us to play in the biggest tournaments just like we do. Of course they'll be as disappointed as we are. But as it is, we have to try to make the best of the situation.”
Pressure at Celtic Park
The playmaker acknowledged the last week has been tough with three straight losses, two of which were against Rangers. “It's been a bit up and down, but personally I've done very well in many games. I've scored a few goals and assisted,” he said.
Nygren feels he has grown under the pressure of Celtic Park but admits “slightly heavier results” are ramping up frustrations among the supporters. “It's very difficult to describe, but football really means everything there, which I think is very nice and something you shouldn't take for granted,” he said.
“I always try to give everything in every match and be a contributing factor to us winning matches. Unfortunately, you can't succeed in every single match and with a slightly heavier result it's more disappointing, as it should be in such a big club.
“Every match means a lot and you are expected to win. If you don't do it, then it's not good enough. That's how it is and that's why I also want to play in a big club. I want to win every single match and play under that pressure. You grow a lot, both as a player and a person, which I think I have done since I got there.”
