Bradley Asserts Shamrock Rovers Face New Challenge Against Revamped NK Celje

Basio badr

ago 4 hours

Bradley Asserts Shamrock Rovers Face New Challenge Against Revamped NK Celje

Shamrock Rovers face a significant test as they prepare to meet NK Celje, who have transformed their squad since their last encounter. Under the management of Stephen Bradley, Rovers aim to improve from their recent performances in the league stage.

Shamrock Rovers’ Recent Struggles

The Rovers commenced their league phase with a disappointing 4-2 defeat against Sparta Praha. In contrast, NK Celje, the Slovenian Cup holders, secured an impressive 3-1 victory over AEK Athens, thanks to a hat trick from Croatian forward Franko Kovačević.

Upcoming Matches

Shamrock Rovers will travel to Greece to play NK Celje.
They will also face Cork City in the FAI Cup final on November 9.
Rovers aim to clinch the league title by avoiding defeat against Derry City this Sunday.

Bradley Acknowledges NK Celje’s Growth

Bradley reflected on Celje’s evolution, noting their squad is drastically different from the one faced last season. He emphasized their improved performance, particularly highlighted in their recent game against AEK Athens.

Key Players

Pico Lopes: Rovers’ captain, available after helping Cape Verde qualify for their first World Cup and welcoming his newborn son.
Josh Honohan: Cork-born defender returns to bolster the squad.

Rovers’ European Challenge

Bradley expressed confidence in his team’s European experience. He noted that while domestic matches can feel repetitive, European competitions provide an invigorating challenge. Rovers need to rediscover their form after a few disappointing results.

Recent Performance Concerns

Shamrock Rovers have faced difficulties recently, suffering consecutive losses against Shelbourne and St Patrick’s Athletic. Bradley is aware of the team’s disjointed form but remains optimistic about the season’s progression. He stressed the importance of not losing ground in upcoming matches.

Shamrock Rovers now look ahead to the challenge posed by NK Celje. They aim to make an impactful statement in their first home game of this league phase.