Belgium now face two crucial clashes with Andorra and Israel which will decide their Group B fate and the Parkhead centre-back believes he can force his way into Wilmots plans if he produces against the Hoops’ Europa League opponents when they visit Glasgow later this week.
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Fenerbahce coach Vitor Pereira insisted there is no problem with star striker Robin van Persie, who has been a notable absentee from the starting line-up in recent weeks.
The 24-year-old was reminiscing on his face-off with the Dutchman while on loan at Bolton Wanderers four years ago.
“It was tough, very tough”, said Boyata.
‘When I came on as a substitute at centre-back that night we were 10 versus 11 at the Emirates, which made the task of playing against him even harder. He can finish really easily and if we leave him a bit of space in front of goal, he will kill us. “That’s why there is a job for us to do in this game and we will be really satisfied if we can do it”.
‘You only need to type his name into YouTube to see the unbelievable goals he has scored across his career.
“I have a great relationship with my team and players”, the 47-year-old said when asked about Van Persie. We want this team to get better and improve professionally.
Although Nani has played at Celtic Park before for Man United, he admitted that he knows very little about the current side. It’s a team who likes to attack when they play at home, they have a strong mentality until the last minute, like in England.
Deila’s hope is that Fenerbahce continue to underperform their investment, as they did on the opening day of Group A, when they lost at home to Molde, and also on Sunday when they lost their first derby of the season to Besiktas. Now that I’m in the Belgian team my goal will be to stay there.
“We are prepared, we have worked very hard for this moment”.
“We have a few of the top players in Europe, there is never a good time to play us”. I’ve had to wear bigger trainers and bigger boots because any pressure on my little toe has been killing me since I broke it. It could be sensitive for the next six months but it doesn’t affect me in games – I am fine.
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“Of course we wanted to be playing in The Champions League, but we are not and we accept that”.
