LASK boss piles Champions League pressure on Celtic ahead of Champions League showdown
The Austrian champions arrive at Celtic Park looking to take a step towards the Champions League proper for the first time in their history.
Kuhbauer led LASK to a domestic double last season, but has attempted to place the favourites tag on Martin O’Neill’s Celtic ahead of the crucial encounter.
“We believe in ourselves. Celtic have a little bit more pressure because everybody knows Celtic,” Kuhbauer said via TCW.
“We are a small club but still a good club. But for Celtic, it’s more pressure than us.
“But I don’t go in my meetings and tell the guys they have more pressure. We have to believe in ourselves.
“We have 90 minutes and we have to play at highest level. The quality from Celtic is better than in Austria. Every guy has to be focused for this game. We don’t care if they have more pressure.
“I know everything about Celtic. Celtic is a club with tradition from many years ago. We know their squad, we know every player. We have a very strong team but anything can happen.
“If we play a good game tomorrow, and that’s our task, that we have in our stadium to qualify for the Champions League.”
LASK have never reached the Champions League proper, meaning Kuhbauer’s side could make club history over the next week.
The financial rewards are also significant, although the LASK boss insists the opportunity to face Europe’s biggest clubs is the ultimate ambition.
“If we go to the Champions League, we get a lot of money and that’s wonderful for the club and players,” he added. “And we can play against the best in Europe. That’s the dream for a lot of players and our goal.”
LASK also have some inside knowledge of facing Celtic through former St Mirren defender Miguel Freckleton.
Freckleton featured against the Hoops in last season’s Premier Sports Cup final and has already been passing on information about what his new teammates can expect in Glasgow.
Goalkeeper Lukas Jungwirth said: “We already talked with him and we know a few tricks. He’s a very good player and as a group we are a good team.
“If we bring a very good performance tomorrow, I think everything’s possible. He told us about the atmosphere. It’s a great atmosphere. A lot of people. But we should not be scared. It should give us a push.
“I’m genuinely just enjoying this and looking forward to it, and I think that’s the only way to do it as the underdog in the match.”
