Kuhbauer warns Celtic of heavier mental load as LASK push for Europe

55-year-old Austrian head coach Dietmar Kuhbauer says Celtic will face greater mental pressure than LASK Linz as both clubs pursue Champions League qualification, emphasizing that the Scottish giants are under more scrutiny despite LASK’s recent successes in the early stages of the season.

LASK's double and strong start

LASK Linz entered the campaign as Austrian champions after securing a league and cup double last season. The 55-year-old coach guided the side to that achievement. This season they have begun with four straight wins, underlining their strong form.

Kuhbauer believes Celtic carry a “little bit more pressure because everybody knows Celtic.” He added, “We are a small club, but still a good club. But for Celtic, it’s more pressure than for us.” The coach insists he does not tell his players about the rival’s pressure.

Kuhbauer stresses belief and focus

“We believe in ourselves,” Kuhbauer said. “We have 90 minutes and we have to play at the highest level. We don’t care if they have more pressure.”

Goalkeeper Lukas Jungwirth will draw on the experience of new signing Miguel Freckleton, who featured for St Mirren when they beat Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup final last December. Jungwirth hopes Freckleton’s insight can help the team handle big matches.

Kuhbauer said, “We already talked with him because maybe he knows a few tricks.” He told us about the atmosphere, describing it as great. “But we should not be scared about this.” “It should give us a push to perform even better.”