Celta Vigo head coach Claudio Giraldez has revealed that former Celtic defender Carl Starfelt has given the Spanish club information about their upcoming opponents.
Starfelt, who is currently sidelined with a muscle injury, will not face his former club in Thursday's Europa League match at Celtic Park. However, the 31-year-old Swedish international has travelled with the squad to Glasgow and will be in the stands for the encounter.
Starfelt's Insight Valued
Starfelt spent two seasons at Celtic under Ange Postecoglou, winning the Treble before leaving in 2023. He played alongside current Celtic players Callum McGregor and James Forrest during his time at the club.
Giraldez admitted he has been consulting the defender ahead of the match. "I spoke to him for him to provide us with some information about this stadium," he said. "He was here a long time ago but maybe he can give some insight about the team and the way we should approach the game. We'll be in touch with him. I saw him smile today a few more times than the previous days which means he's ready to get better."
Record Away Support
Celta will be backed by their largest-ever European away following, with 3,000 fans making the trip to Celtic Park.
"Our fans made the effort to come here," Giraldez said. "We try to work hard to be able to enjoy a game at Celtic Park. It's one of the best known stadiums in the world so we'll try to do our best and to try to give back to the people who are coming here to support us."
"Hopefully it will be a special game. I'm pretty sure it will push us. Tomorrow we really want to do great. I know there's still room for improvement."
Giraldez, the youngest manager in La Liga at 38, said he has received numerous ticket requests for the fixture. "Yes I received more requests than usual to come," he laughed. "It shows everyone is really excited to be here and watch the game. It's important to have the support of people. The players are like sponges and absorb the support. To hear our fans over the home crowd is something quite special. I hope we can give back to them."
Quieter Parkhead Expected
While Celta fans may anticipate a raucous atmosphere, Giraldez acknowledged that Celtic Park will be quieter than usual, as the Green Brigade ultras are boycotting all Europa League home games.
"Yes we knew that it would be a weird atmosphere in the stands at this moment but we hope it won't affect the game," he said. "These are historic fans and we hope we'll experience the magical atmosphere of Celtic Park and the game will just be about football."
Both sides are pointless in the Europa League after losing their opening two matches, against Omonia and Juventus for Celta. The Galician club, who reached the quarter-finals last season, warmed up for Thursday's clash with a 2-1 win over Alaves, lifting them to eighth in La Liga.
Despite Celtic's 7-0 thrashing of Hearts on Sunday, Giraldez insisted his side will be aiming for a vital three points. "We don't fear them but it's proved it's a Champions League level team," he added. "They've always played in Europe. We know they have a long past, there are a lot of things that change in their squad with new players coming in."
"We know it will be really hard for us because they did a wonderful game against Hearts and even against Benfica. They have a lot of offensive players and can go from the wings so we know they are at the top of their league and it will be difficult. We need to play and defend well and try to make threats to them."
