Marica plans Celtic coup

By Brian Brownstein

FC Shakhtar Donetsk forward Ciprian Marica is revelling in his opportunity to play in the UEFA Champions League.

Learning curve
The 19-year-old Romanian international moved to the Ukrainian side in a €5m move from FC Dinamo Bucuresti in March, and has played all 180 minutes of his team's matches so far in Group F. The dynamic striker says he is learning a lot from the experience.

'Valuable experience'
"There is big difference between the Ukrainian league and the Champions League," Marica told uefa.com. "In the Champions League you get the best players and the best teams and it's a much harder test. The Ukrainian league is hard but not very, very hard like this competition. Playing in the Champions League is good for me and can only improve me. I am young and I am learning a lot and it is providing me with valuable experience."

Celtic test
Marica has so far been pitted against two European giants, AC Milan and FC Barcelona, and is learning the hard way. Shakhtar went down 1-0 at home to the Rossoneri before again failing to find the net in a 3-0 defeat away to the Spanish leaders. However, they now face Celtic FC in a crucial double-header and Marica sees these games as the perfect opportunity for his team to get back on track.

'Last chance'
"We want to do much better than we did in our last game against Barcelona because this is our last chance," said Marica. "Shakhtar must beat Celtic or we'll be fighting for a place in the UEFA Cup. If we beat Celtic twice our mentality will be much better going into the final two games. This is our last chance to get back into contention in our Champions League group and we are determined to do well. We have the ability to win and we'll be going for the victory."

Scottish determination
The Scottish champions have also suffered two defeats so far this term, and Marica knows they will be just as determined to boost their own chances of reaching the knockout stages. "It's a very important game for Celtic as well and it will be a very tough game," he said. "Celtic don't play the most interesting football but they will be playing to win. They have very big players and they are very physical. I saw Celtic's game with Milan and it was clear they are a very tough and powerful team, and we will have to be careful."

Weakest opponents
However, Marica, who made his debut for Romania in a 1-0 friendly defeat by Italy in 2003, views Celtic as his team's least formidable opponents in Group F, and believes Shakhtar's strong team spirit will carry them to victory. "Celtic have good players but they aren't as good as Barcelona or Milan," he said. "I expect two very hard games against Celtic but I think they will be the easiest in the group.

'We are determined'
"Shakhtar are well organised and we'll be playing as a team," he added. "We don't have a best player; all the team is the best and we play well [together]. I can't score and play well without my team-mates. I think all the players are very good and we all do an important job. We are determined to beat Celtic."