Celtic ace makes Hibs demand clear as firm warning sent over Marink Reedijk and his wounded animals
A trip to Easter Road provides Celtic with an immediate chance to restore their domestic momentum
Mika Baur has warned his Celtic teammates against underestimating Hibs as the champions look to put their latest European disappointment behind them on Sunday.
A trip to the capital to face a Hibs side languishing at the foot of the Scottish Premiership table awaits Martin O’Neill’s pacesetter this weekend. New Easter Road boss Marink Reedijk will attempt to arrest a difficult start to life in Leith after losing his first two matches in charge.
The Dutchman heads into the fixture seeking a huge three points, with last Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Falkirk leaving Hibs searching for answers, as Reedijk looks to implement his philosophy.
Baur insists their opponents bottom spot position should have no bearing on how Celtic approach the game, stressing that complacency would be a costly mistake. If anything, he suggests it makes Hibs a wounded animal and potentially even more dangerous.
“It's not [a case of] treating them like a European game but if you're not doing it, it's not possible to win,” said the German international. “It's easy. If you're not treating them like a really good opponent, it's not possible to win that game.”
Celtic, themselves, will be eager to respond after another frustrating Europa League setback on Thursday. A 2-1 loss to Celta Vigo means the Parkhead club are yet to get off the mark in the competition’s league phase after three rounds of fixtures.
Baur concedes the contrast between their domestic performances and European results has become difficult to ignore after Celtic again failed to turn an early second half advantage into three precious points.
“We had a great 15 minutes in the second half, the first 15, and we scored,” Baur explained. “We got the control, we played really well with the ball. But they scored and the momentum switched and we were not capable to switch it back again. I believe we can turn it around absolutely.”
For now, though, attention must turn to Hibs and contending with another league fixture. Baur believes the relentless schedule offers Celtic little opportunity to dwell on setbacks, with recovery and preparation taking priority.
“There is no time [to reflect]. Maybe that's the good point,” he said. “The next game is on Sunday. Of course, we can be disappointed, but the next day we do regeneration. Then by Saturday our focus is all on Hibs. So, maybe that's the good thing, to play every three days.”