Nakamura believes in Hoops

Celtic star refusing to give up on European dream

Last updated: 2nd October 2008

Nakamura believes in Hoops

Nakamura: Facing tough task

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Shunsuke Nakamura is adamant Celtic's UEFA Champions League adventure is far from finished.

The reigning SPL champions have endured a disappointing start to their European campaign this term, taking just one point from their opening two fixtures.

A 1-0 reverse away at Villarreal on Tuesday prolonged their miserable away record in the competition and has left them staring elimination in the face.

Japanese playmaker Nakamura admits he is partly to blame for the club's poor start, having rarely threatened in Spain, but is refusing to give up hope of turning the precarious situation around.

"I lost the ball twice in the midfield and I made mistakes," he said.

"I shouldn't have done that and, of course, we conceded a goal. The result was bad and now it's not going to be easy to go through.

"But we must keep going and not be too disappointed about this result.

"We now go to Manchester United (on 21st October) and we must keep trying."

Dangerous

Meanwhile, Villarreal boss Manuel Pellegrini has accused Celtic of showing a lack of ambition during their midweek encounter.

He said in the Scottish Sun: "I thought it was very strange that Celtic played so defensively. They made it easier for us because they chose not to attack.

"It was not the Celtic I expected. I thought they would be dangerous on the counter-attack but it never quite came."

But, the Spaniard is not prepared to write off Gordon Strachan's side just yet.

"Celtic still have a chance to go through, no doubt about that," he added.

"They haven't had a great start but they are dangerous and I believe they are capable of coming back."