Paulo Bernardo: We're excited for UCL game at Villa Park

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Celtic F.C.

·28 Januari 2025

Paulo Bernardo: We're excited for UCL game at Villa Park

As Celtic prepare to face Aston Villa in the final game of the UEFA Champions League league phase, Paulo Bernardo spoke to the media at Villa Park to preview the highly-anticipated clash.

The Portuguese midfielder shared his excitement about the match against Aston Villa, who have impressed in the competition so far.

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With Celtic already qualified for the next stage, some might expect less pressure on the team. However, Bernardo dismissed that notion, emphasising the team’s constant focus on achieving the best possible results.

“We face a top team in England, so we are really excited to play," the player said. "It’ll be a great match to play and watch.”

“At Celtic, we are used to playing with pressure in all the games. We have a lot of responsibility to win. This is a normal game to us, it’s not different. We will try to do our best to get a great result here.”

A victory against Aston Villa could open the door to potentially finishing in the top eight and automatic qualification to the last 16. Bernardo reflected on the team’s journey so far and their determination to take the next step.

“I think it would be great if we can achieve that,” the Portuguese midfielder said. “Right now, we’ve done very well to get to this stage. We’re really happy with our progress. We have that opportunity, and we’ll try to make it happen.

“It’s always great to win every game,” he added. “Like I said, we’ll try to win. We are a big club in Scotland, and we’ll try our best to get a great result.”

One of the big talking points ahead of the game is the return of Jota, with the Portuguese winger rejoining Celtic to bolster the squad for the remainder of the season.

And Paulo Bernardo spoke warmly about his fellow compatriot and the impact he can make on the team.

“I think he’s a great player, and I’m really excited to play with him,” Bernardo said. “He brings a lot to the group. He’s a great player, a great person, and I’m really excited to play with him.

“He told me before I joined Celtic that if I needed something, I could count on him. Now I’ve told him the same. I’m here if he needs anything.”