Japanese star Kyogo is eager for a shot at reigning Europa League champions Atalanta this Wednesday, as Celtic prepare for a crucial Champions League battle.

Kyogo Furuhashi insists he’s ready to break free from some of the world’s best man-markers. The Japanese striker is eager to take on Atalanta’s suffocating defense in Wednesday’s crucial Champions League clash. After netting his fifth goal of the season in Celtic’s draw with Aberdeen, Kyogo now faces a major challenge against the Serie A giants, the reigning Europa League champions, in their own backyard.

Brendan Rodgers has emphasized the daunting task ahead for Celtic in Bergamo, labeling Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta as “probably the best man-to-man marking team in world football.” Despite the challenge, Kyogo Furuhashi is relishing the opportunity to break through Atalanta’s rigid system. He said: “I’m excited to take on such a defensive style if I play. I’ll try to enjoy it and see how well I can perform against this kind of team.

“Kyogo remains optimistic, adding: “Individually, I’ll definitely get chances, even against a tough opponent. I just need to be ready to put the ball in the net or at least get shots on target. As a team, we need to work together, whether starting or coming off the bench, sharing the same ideas and fighting for a result.”

Celtic are well aware they need to step up from their previous Champions League away performance, where they were dismantled 7-1 by Borussia Dortmund on match day two. The challenge doesn’t get any easier as Brendan Rodgers’ men now face another formidable opponent in Atalanta, with the Italian giants posing a similarly tough test.

Celtic’s slip in losing their perfect domestic record after the draw with Aberdeen wasn’t the ideal preparation for the trip to Bergamo. However, Kyogo Furuhashi believes that setbacks like this can fuel the team’s determination to bounce back stronger against Atalanta.

He said: “I think that’s right. We have to keep showing ourselves on the pitch. We obviously wanted to win, but it was a tough match, and we drew. Now, we just have to focus on the next game.”

Captain Callum McGregor has called on Celtic to shake off the disappointment of losing their perfect domestic record and focus on the crucial trip to Italy. He said: “We have to dust ourselves down, and we have a big game during the week.

“It’s disappointing not to take all three points, but in the grand scheme, we’re in a good position, and we’ll get those points back. Now, our focus shifts to Wednesday.”