As Celtic prepare for their crucial Champions League clash against Chelsea on Wednesday, head coach Elena Sadiku and Scotland forward Erin Cuthbert have shared their thoughts on what promises to be a fiercely competitive match. Here are some of the key insights they offered ahead of the game.

Sadiku: “A Bigger Test Than This? I Don’t Think So

Elena Sadiku acknowledges the scale of the challenge Celtic face against Chelsea, reigning Women’s Super League champions. “I don’t think we’re going to have a bigger test than this,” Sadiku remarked, underscoring her respect for Chelsea’s strengths and capabilities.

But respect goes beyond Chelsea’s players alone; Sadiku also has a deep admiration for Chelsea’s head coach, Sonia Bompastor, saying, “how she’s perceived as a coach is how I want to be perceived.” This personal aspiration adds a layer of intensity to the upcoming encounter as Celtic aim to prove themselves on a stage of this magnitude.

Growth Through the Competition

Reflecting on Celtic’s Champions League journey so far, Sadiku believes her team has shown steady improvement. She pointed to the contrast between their performances against Twente in the opener and Real Madrid in their second game, saying, “Against Real Madrid, we were confident enough to play, we got pressure on, we love the pressure, and we just showed no fear in what we want to do.” Celtic’s progression and self-assurance suggest they’re embracing the challenges, growing stronger as they move through the competition.

Support at Celtic Park: A Historic Night

This game marks the first time Celtic’s women’s team will play a Champions League match at Celtic Park, an occasion Sadiku hopes fans won’t miss. She urged, “If you’re a Celtic fan, you should support the big history the club are creating.” The atmosphere in the iconic stadium will be critical as Celtic look to rally their fans for a historic night.

Injury Update: Two Absentees

Defender Hana Kerner and forward Kit Loferski are confirmed absentees for Wednesday’s match, while Caitlin Hayes, who missed the last two games, is expected to return. Sadiku addressed recent speculation surrounding Hayes’ absence, clarifying that she’s simply been “resting,” dispelling any rumours of suspension.

Erin Cuthbert: Thriving in a ‘Hostile’ Environment

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Erin Cuthbert, who will be returning to Glasgow for the match, is fully aware that she might not receive a warm welcome. Coming from a family of Rangers supporters, the Scotland international knows the Celtic crowd will be less than welcoming but welcomes the challenge. “As a football player, see if you get a bit of a hostile reception, I think it’s the best thing,” Cuthbert said, unfazed by the prospect.

Cuthbert’s confidence in handling tough crowds comes from experience: “We’ve played at the Emirates many times… we’re used to playing in big games where there is an atmosphere, and the opposition wants to make it as difficult as possible.” This resilience has been central to her development from a young player working at Morrison’s to a key figure in one of the world’s biggest clubs. Head coach Sonia Bompastor describes her as “a leader,” and Cuthbert herself sees this return to Glasgow as a moment of reflection. “It’s a moment to reflect on how far I’ve come, but also how much work I’ve still got to do and how far I can go.”

Celtic vs Chelsea: A Battle of Belief and Growth

As both sides gear up for this Champions League showdown, Celtic will look to demonstrate their growth and grit against a Chelsea side hungry for victory. With Sadiku’s admiration for her counterpart and Cuthbert’s resilience, Wednesday night promises an unforgettable spectacle at Celtic Park. Fans can expect a display of ambition, rivalry, and the enduring passion of Scottish football.