Mika Baur of Celtic passes the ball during the UEFA Europa League match between Celtic FC and Besiktas JK at Celtic Park on November 05, 2026. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)
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The German international has spoke of the demands of playing three times a week, but is adamant he’s enjoying the hectic schedule.
“To play every three days is different for me,” the midfielder said, to the mainstream media after Celtic’s 3-2 victory over Besiktas in the Europa League on Thursday evening. “I think I have played the same amount of games now that I had last season by the winter break.
Mika Baur of Celtic during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between Celtic FC and Real Club Celta Vigo at Celtic Park on October 22, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
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“But I like it. That’s what you want. You want to play all the time, more playing than training. I am really enjoying it. And I think the pressure to win is a good kind of pressure. It’s better than (trying) not to lose. So I really enjoy it,”Baur stated, as reported by Scottish Sun.
“First of all, I want to work hard for the team, for myself, that I can prove myself and I can play on the stage, help the team, put in a shift, hard work,” he said.
Baur impressed once again in the 3-2 Europa League win over Besiktas, and not just due to his skill and technical ability but his overall pressing and battling attributes as the hoops fought to a hard earned win.
Mika Baur of Celtic is crowded out by Dundee United players Celtic v Dundee United, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 28 October 2026. Mark Runnacles IMAGO Shutterstock
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He added: “That’s what I have to do first. And then after this, the skill comes, playing with the ball. But first of all, it’s showing heart on the field. I was really happy that it was appreciated.
“The second half was pure heart, pure fight,” Baur said. “I’m not here for a long time, but I think that’s what it’s all about. This win feels unbelievable because we deserved it. We fought for it.
“The team is really, really close together. We know that we had a tough couple of weeks, but you can feel it in the training sessions, how the team is working together, the feeling, the believing is always there.
“And it was there on the pitch. That’s what we have to show week by week, every three days.
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“It was not just our win. The atmosphere was great. I’m really, really thankful for every supporter in the stadium. They gave us a lot of energy. We all fight together. That makes me happy.”
Callum McGregor of Celtic applauds the fans with teammates after the UEFA Europa League match between Celtic FC and Besiktas JK at Celtic Park on November 05, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
It certainly was a memorable night at Celtic Park and a notable victory against a decent Turkish outfit that probably thought that the points were there for the taking after Celtic’s earlier turmoils in European football this season.
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Celtic has four remaining matches in the Europa League and probably will be looking for another nine points to guarantee qualification, although seven may be enough.
The next two matches, away to Portuguese minnows Torreense on 26 November and Omonia Nicosia on 10 December will be matches that Martin O’Neill will be looking for six points to take Celtic in to the two January fixtures still in with a shout.
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