Yuki Kobayashi, who spent 12 months at Celtic, has been sharing his Glasgow experiences with Jagiellonia Bialystok captain Taras Romanczuk ahead of their Europa League clash with Rangers.
Kobayashi's Glasgow insight
Kobayashi, who featured seven times for Brendan Rodgers' Hoops after signing in summer 2023, admitted he never crossed the river dividing the city's two football clubs.
Romanczuk revealed: "He mainly said that he never crossed the river in Glasgow. He told us there's a river running through the city. On one side is Celtic territory and the other is Rangers'. And he never crossed that river!"
Romanczuk's confidence
Despite the lack of inside info, Romanczuk is confident Jagiellonia can overcome Derek McInnes' men. He said: "But we've watched the video we're prepared. We can analyse everything, but in the end, it all comes down to what happens on the pitch. Whoever plays well tactically, strong in the duels, will win."
The Polish international, who has spent 12 years at the Chorten Arena, will face British opposition for the first time in European competition. He said: "We knew we'd face a strong opponent because we were unseeded in the third round. The rival is top-tier. I wanted to take on Rangers. I've never faced an opponent from the British Isles before, and I hope I'll get the chance tomorrow."
Manager's caution
Jagiellonia boss Adrian Siemieniec, without suspended Bernardo Vital and injured Kamil Jozwiak, admitted he'd have preferred a different opponent. He said: "I'm not as excited as Taras! Rangers is a huge club, legendary. Not just in Scotland, but in the British Isles and Europe."
Siemieniec highlighted the threat Rangers pose: "We saw a clear direction in terms of the kinds of players this team is built on, as well as the specifics of football based on intense, physical play. That's where the threats to us come from too. Through strength, physicality, and the opponent's physical conditions, we should expect danger on set pieces, intensity in pressing, as well as a team that feels great in the air and in duels."
He added: "We can't lose our mentality, our idea, because it'll be really hard to compete with Rangers."
