Johansen: Celtic to make Champions League comeback
The Hoops are 4-1 down from the first game in Poland last week and will need to score at least three goals in Edinburgh to take them one step closer to the group stages.
Last season the Scottish champions did just that in the play-off as they recovered a 2-0 deficit to Shakhter Karagandy to win 3-2 on aggregate and it is that result which gives the Norway midfielder hope.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“It will be tough but we still have a chance,” he said. “Every player believes we can do it and Celtic did it last year in the Champions League - so why not now?
“Of course, we were disappointed after the game in Poland but we know we still have a chance.
“Obviously we didn’t play the way we wanted last week but we have the quality and the team to score three goals.
“We need to step up our game a bit more compared to what we did last week but I think we can go through.
“The team wants to go to the Champions League. We know it means a lot to the fans and the club and we will do everything we can to get through.”
Celtic will be roared on by a big crowd at the home of Scottish rugby - used as Celtic Park is still out of commission due to its use in the Commonwealth Games - but the 23-year-old insists the Hoops need not go gung-ho in the early stages.
“An early goal is always good but we need to be patient as well,” said Johansen. “If we can get one goal, we can go and take the momentum.
“The manager has made it clear what he wants us to do.
“So it’s up to us to go out and do it with energy and score the goals we need to get through.”