Elena Sadiku Previews Chelsea Clash, Praises Bompastor, and Updates Player Status

Celtic’s head coach, Elena Sadiku, addressed the media ahead of the team’s Champions League fixture against Chelsea on Wednesday. She highlighted several key points: Sadiku stated that her team’s encounter with the Women’s Super League champions represents what she “doesn’t think we’re going to have a bigger test than this.” The head coach expressed “huge respect” for Chelsea as a team and conveyed her admiration for opposing coach Sonia Bompastor, remarking, “how she’s perceived as a coach is how I want to be perceived.” Sadiku believes Celtic has “grown in the competition,” citing the contrast between their performance against Twente on matchday one and Real Madrid on matchday two. She elaborated, “Against Real Madrid we were confident enough to play, we got pressure on, we love the pressure and we just showed no fear in what we want to do.” Regarding Caitlin Hayes, who was absent from the previous two matches, Sadiku clarified that the defender has been “resting,” countering rumors of a club suspension. The SWPL champions are set to compete at Celtic Park for their inaugural Champions League match there. When questioned about attendance, Sadiku urged, “If you’re a Celtic fan, you should support the big history the club are creating.” The only two players unavailable for the match are defender Hana Kerner and forward Kit Loferski.