LASK Linz's manager, Dietmar Kuhbauer, has articulated his perspective on the mental burden ahead of their Champions League qualifying match against Celtic. The accomplished 55-year-old, who led LASK to a domestic double last season and has maintained a perfect start to the current campaign, highlighted that the Scottish giants, being a more prominent club, inherently carry a heavier weight of expectation.
Kuhbauer conveyed a strong sense of self-belief within his squad, stating that despite LASK's comparatively smaller stature, they are a formidable team. He underscored that the pressure on Celtic significantly surpasses that on his own side, although he intends not to overemphasize this point to his players. The coach's primary focus remains on his team delivering a top-tier performance for the entire 90 minutes, irrespective of the opponent's psychological state.
Furthermore, LASK's goalkeeper, Lukas Jungwirth, will draw upon the experience of recent acquisition Miguel Freckleton. Freckleton, having been part of the St Mirren team that triumphed over Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup final, is expected to offer valuable tactical insights and share his understanding of the Celtic Park atmosphere. Jungwirth expressed that rather than being intimidated by the intense crowd, his team should harness it as motivation to elevate their game even further.
This upcoming fixture represents a critical moment for both clubs, with LASK's strategic approach and self-assurance offering a compelling narrative against Celtic's established reputation. The focus on internal belief and strategic preparation, rather than external pressures, exemplifies a commendable sporting ethos that encourages peak performance and resilience in the face of significant challenges.