Celtic belong in the Champions League, says Erik Sviatchenko
Friday 9 December 2016 06:35, UK
Celtic centre-back Erik Sviatchenko has insisted the Hoops have shown they belong in the Champions League despite exiting at the group stage.
Celtic failed to win a match in a group containing Barcelona, Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach, though they did claim two draws against Pep Guardiola's City.
Denmark international Sviatchenko joined Celtic in January 2016 from FC Midtjylland in a £1.5m deal, and the 25-year-old is adamant Brendan Rodgers' players have proven their worth despite finishing bottom in Group C.
"For some of us, it was the first time ever and I think we dealt with it really well," Sviatchenko said.
"It was a learning period. Even though we want to achieve more, I think we showed we came a long way in a short period.
"To be unbeaten by Man City over two games, the second Barca game was really good, and the Gladbach game could have gone a bit better, and it might be a different situation. But all in all we can be satisfied with our first Champions League campaign.
"It's about taking the opportunities when they are there. We have shown we are able to be in this tournament but it's about the small margins and we didn't have them all the time.
"I think the group of players are really, really good and they have all showed they are capable of being in the Champions League. So that's the first step.
"And it's a group of players that need to develop together, and with the manager being here and working so well with us, that means that for the next season it will probably be even better. We will have been together for eight months more."
Celtic began their campaign with a 7-0 drubbing against Barcelona at the Nou Camp but recovered to draw 3-3 against City at Parkhead.
A disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Monchengladbach followed before a critical 1-1 draw in Germany, a game which Celtic could have won had Callum McGregor scored with a chance at the death.
"These are the games you really want to be part of and really want to be measured on, some of the greatest players there are," Sviatchenko added.
"To be up against 'MSN', arguably the best trio in the world, that is something you can put in your backpack and develop on in the future.
"It's the composure, and the joy as well, because you also need to enjoy these moments.
"If you are walking to the game and feeling you are under pressure then it will be a difficult game.
"But if you are out there and you believe in yourself and you want the ball, I think we showed that in a lot of the games, that we can be competitive at this level. We showed we belong in this tournament."
Sviatchenko and Celtic next face Partick Thistle at Firhill on Friday night.
