Post by Taxigirl on Apr 8, 2004 14:35:52 GMT
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/3609465.stm
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill believes overcoming Villarreal in the Uefa Cup quarter final will be harder than beating Barcelona.
O'Neill insists that anyone who thinks the team sitting tenth in La Liga will be an easy touch compared to the giants of Barca is misguided.
He stressed that none of his players were taking a victory for granted.
"They knocked out Roma so they will feel that they won't have a problem beating us," said the Celtic boss.
"It's going to be a sterner test. The Barcelona thing was fantastic but you don't get much time to enjoy it. You get over one and then it's the next one.
"It was a heroic performance in the Nou Camp and a good result with some wonderful performances. But we have to do exactly the same again to have a chance against Villarreal.
"We can't expect anything. You only have to look at last night's Champions League games to prove that.
"I think it's sometimes strange, funny and morose that when you do well against a big side then the next one that comes along is seemingly less difficult to some people.
"Nobody here shares that view. I have watched videos of their games and they can definitely play. I ignore what other people feel. I know in the dressing room that they will feel this game will probably be harder."
But Celtic midfielder Alan Thompson believes their experience in Europe in recent seasons gives them an advantage.
"The last year should stand us in good stead," he said.
"We know that they have beaten some good sides so we will give them the respect they deserve.
"We have learned a few things in the last couple of years and we know it's vital to keep a clean sheet at home."
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill believes overcoming Villarreal in the Uefa Cup quarter final will be harder than beating Barcelona.
O'Neill insists that anyone who thinks the team sitting tenth in La Liga will be an easy touch compared to the giants of Barca is misguided.
He stressed that none of his players were taking a victory for granted.
"They knocked out Roma so they will feel that they won't have a problem beating us," said the Celtic boss.
"It's going to be a sterner test. The Barcelona thing was fantastic but you don't get much time to enjoy it. You get over one and then it's the next one.
"It was a heroic performance in the Nou Camp and a good result with some wonderful performances. But we have to do exactly the same again to have a chance against Villarreal.
"We can't expect anything. You only have to look at last night's Champions League games to prove that.
"I think it's sometimes strange, funny and morose that when you do well against a big side then the next one that comes along is seemingly less difficult to some people.
"Nobody here shares that view. I have watched videos of their games and they can definitely play. I ignore what other people feel. I know in the dressing room that they will feel this game will probably be harder."
But Celtic midfielder Alan Thompson believes their experience in Europe in recent seasons gives them an advantage.
"The last year should stand us in good stead," he said.
"We know that they have beaten some good sides so we will give them the respect they deserve.
"We have learned a few things in the last couple of years and we know it's vital to keep a clean sheet at home."