Russian legend criticises Celtic’s overly-aggressive style

Former Soviet Union international turned legendary manager Anatoliy Byshovets has criticised Celtic’s style of play following their 1-0 victory over Zenit Saint Petersburg.

Byshovets, who had a brief spell in charge of Zenit in the mid-90’s, said that Celtic’s style will be their downfall in the second leg.

As reported by the Daily Record, he said:

Celtic will play exactly the same tactics – football supported by martial arts. Zenit will have to take their time and exploit the space. In the first match, they were not ready.

There were ten bookings in the first leg clash between the two sides and with the atmosphere set to be hostile in Russia, there’s a big chance that the return leg could be overly physical.

Byshovets thinks that the Russian side will prevail as he doesn’t think Celtic’s defence will be able to keep Zenit at bay for a second successive game.

I don’t see Celtic being able to hold onto their advantage because I don’t believe they will be able to stop Zenit again. Celtic will have taken a lot out of their win in the first leg and will be positive, but I think Zenit will score enough to get through.