Conte: Juventus will treat Celtic with respect

Posted Friday, December 21, 2012 by Goal.com

The Bianconeri coach has promised his side will not take the Scottish champions lightly ahead of their round of 16 Champions League clash, while Pavel Nedved also gave his thoughts

Juventus trainer Antonio Conte says his team will treat Celtic with respect after the two sides were drawn together in the last 16 of the Champions League.

The Scottish giants were victorious last time the two clubs met - in a 4-3 home victory in the group stages of the competition in 2001, a game which current Bhoys coach Neil Lennon played in.

And Conte is aware that his charges are in for a tough game as the Hoops have already pulled off impressive performances in Europe this season.

"We have to consider our path in the Champions League as a process, to grow and improve as a team," Conte was quoted as saying by Uefa's official website.

"Celtic are a good side. They defeated Barcelona in the group stage and qualified from a section which also included strong teams like Benfica and Spartak [Moscow].

"They have good players, like [Georgios] Samaras and [Kris] Commons. We will approach this game with great enthusiasm but also respect for the Scottish side.

"We want to do as well as possible in the Champions League and will have to give our all."

Another man to play in the last meeting between the two sides, Pavel Nedved, also gave his take on the tie.

"It could be worse, even if Celtic are a team to respect," said the 40-year-old, now a Juve director.

"They defeated Barcelona in the group stage and fully deserved to qualify. I have played there [at Celtic Park] in the past and can guarantee we will encounter a great atmosphere.

"In the knockout stages, experience is very important and I hope our players take on Celtic with great determination. Playing the return leg at home is surely a small advantage."