Celtic midfielder Mika Baur believes Thursday night's late Europa League win over Besiktas can get the Hoops driving again after a difficult spell. The 22-year-old, who joined from Paderborn in the summer for £4.6m, has opened up on life in Scotland and his international hopes.
Life in Scotland and settling in
Baur admitted he has not had time to play golf since moving to Scotland, despite being in the Home of Golf. He said: "There's no time to think about it! We are playing every three days and I really try to fight and bring my heart on the field all the time. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but I hope people understand that as a young player it can be tough to be comfortable in a new country, a new culture and new club."
He added: "I have felt good in my first few months but it is a bit of a rollercoaster. Playing in this unbelievable stadium in front of these fans, getting the call-up to the national team was a big honour. You feel the pressure with some of the games we have lost but I am getting used to it."
The midfielder said he is grateful to his girlfriend and the club for helping him settle, and has enjoyed exploring Scotland on his days off. He said: "I also play golf – so I'm come to the Home of Golf! I've only managed to get to the driving range though. When you are playing every three days it's a bit much to play nine or 18 holes. My father and brother play so hopefully the weather will be okay around Christmas to maybe manage a few holes."
Besiktas win and team belief
Celtic secured a dramatic Europa League win over Besiktas, with substitutes Camilo Duran and Callum Osmand turning the game around. Baur said: "The win was importance after some tough weeks. But the belief and the way we work together as a team has always been good. There was never any problem with that because we always believed in ourselves. We showed how we can leave our hearts on the field and put in a shift."
He praised the fans for their support, saying: "The fans helped a lot. You could feel the energy. It was not just us players on the field who deserved the win – it was also everyone around the stadium and they brought the energy as well."
On the impact of the substitutes, Baur said: "That's what you want from the subs – to make an impact from the bench. It says a lot for Camilo to accept starting on the bench, but to come on and make such an impact, producing in the big moments to score those two goals to win us the game. Ossie as well, he came own with a goal and assist. It's not just the goals and assists, Ossie won the ball as well and was working hard. I'm really glad for them."
International hopes
Baur has dropped back down to the Germany under 21s after being called up to Jurgen Klopp's senior squad last time. He said: "I can understand. There are so many unbelievable players in the squad, especially in my position. We're talking about guys from Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. I just do my best and hopefully they can see I am developing and improving."
He added: "I'm still with the under 21s for the games against Belgium and Croatia, so that will be good. European matches like Thursday can only help and I have to hope they see. I'm still young but I'll keep doing my best and we'll see what happens next time."
