Elena Sadiku: We want bravery and confidence taking on Real Madrid | OneFootball

Having opened up their UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign with a positive display, matchday two now awaits Elena Sadiku’s Celtic squad.

It is gearing up to be another tough test as the Ghirls get set for their first ever away outing in the group stages of the competition.

Making the trip to the Spanish capital, the Celts take on Real Madrid in what could be dubbed one of the biggest games to date.

Speaking to the press ahead of tonight’s (Thursday’s) match, Elena Sadiku reflected on last week’s opening UWCL fixture as she took the positives from her side’s display.

The Celtic boss also confirmed the welcome return of some familiar faces from injury ahead of a big night of European action.

She said: “When we went up against FC Twente, we defended really well. I think we all talked about that we maybe need to do a bit better in possession.

“That is something we are really good at it, and hopefully that is something that we are going to show against Real Madrid when we play.”

"The game-plan will change slightly when it comes to playing against Real Madrid because we need to adapt to how we think we are going to exploit them.

“We have Hana Kerner who is going to join our squad. So, we are getting players back again ahead of this game, which is great news for us.”

Of course, despite taking the positives from that result, there will be plenty that Sadiku and her squad will look to learn from that game.

One of those being their work in possession, and that is something that the 30-year-old is hoping to see going into the match against Real Madrid.

Most importantly, Sadiku is looking to see her side stick to their principles in the way they perform as they face off against one of the best club teams in Europe.

“I want the players to be really confident and brave,” she explained. “That is the thing I want to see.

“When it comes to how we are going to play, it’s still going to be about keeping our principles.

“When we defend domestically, obviously, we have our style of play and that is not going to change.

“We always play how the principles are. But like I have said after FC Twente, we defended really well and that is something we need to focus on.

“We still want to defend really well, but just be better in possession and on the ball.

“For me, the most important message going into the game was the badge is huge. We all know what Real Madrid stands for.

“But for us, we need to go into the game and try to do our very best to get points and think about how we can win it.

“That needs to be in our hunger and game-plan. Respect them, yes.  But fear no one.

“I’ve said it before, and I think we are all looking forward to seeing brave and confident players taking the challenge on."

Match Centre

Fixtures

Real Madrid Femenino Vs. Celtic Women - Thu, Oct 17th 2024, 17:45