Strachan hopes fear factor will work for Celtic

04/03/2008 06:18

By Simon Baskett

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Manager Gordon Strachan hopes the fear factor will spur Celtic on to a comeback victory over Barcelona at the Nou Camp on Tuesday and secure them a place in the Champions League quarter-finals.

"There is nothing wrong with a bit of fear. I hope it inspires the players," Strachan told a news conference in Barcelona on Monday.

"Fear can push you on to bigger things ... fear and a bit of determination. I hope we have a bit of fear when they get the ball and none when we have it and hopefully that might do us."

Celtic took the lead twice in the first leg at Parkhead two weeks ago but ended up losing 3-2, only their second defeat in 17 home Champions League matches.

The Glasgow club’s away record is poor, having lost 15 of their last 16 away matches in the Champions League, but Strachan said he expected his side to rise to the occasion.

"It is going to be difficult but we have put ourselves in position to play against Barcelona," he said.

"Although Barcelona played very well at our place we could have played better and tomorrow we are looking for more from all our players as a group and as individuals.

CLIMBING EVEREST

"We are angry we got beat in the first leg. We understand we are playing against a terrific side but we want to leave .....continued below

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the Barcelona players and fans with a good impression of us. Every game you want to win because you are playing for your pride."

Asked if defeating Barcelona in their own stadium was a challenge as daunting as climbing Everest, Strachan joked:

"I don’t know. I’m not sure what the second highest mountain in the world is called, but it’s a good climb anyway ... and a few people have died trying to climb it."

Celtic captain Stephen McManus said that although the players had great respect for their opponents, they were not in awe of them.

"When you play against players like Ronaldinho, (Lionel) Messi, (Samuel) Eto’o and (Thierry) Henry then you realise just how good they are," he said.

"Individually I think they are the best squad of players in the world, but we are going to enjoy it and give it our best shot.

"We relish the challenge and are up for it."

(Editing by Sonia Oxley)

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