Winger Sead Haksabanovic has admitted he resisted the urge to seek insider knowledge from his former Celtic teammates ahead of Malmo’s Europa League opener against Rangers.
The 25-year-old left Celtic permanently for the Swedish champions last summer, having spent the previous season on loan at Stoke City following a social media outburst over his lack of playing time under Brendan Rodgers.
Haksabanovic, sidelined through injury, will miss the clash with Philippe Clement’s side but is hoping to draw on his own experience of facing Rangers from his time in Scotland.
Speaking to Football Scotland, the Montenegro international revealed he had chosen not to contact his old Celtic colleagues for any tips on their Glasgow rivals.
“I’m still injured unfortunately because I would want to play,” Haksabanovic said.
“If we do everything correctly, listen to the manager and follow the game plan that we have, then we can have a good night tomorrow.
“I haven’t really spoken to anyone at Celtic. I believe in what we have here. It’s all about discipline, we know we can do it so we have to do it.”
For Haksabanovic, the match holds personal significance, not just as an opportunity for Malmo to start their Europa League campaign on the front foot, but also because of his ties to Celtic.
“Not just for me, but it would mean so much for the whole club. To have a good start in the Europa League would be so good. We need that confidence right now,” he explained.
“We had a good game at the weekend in the league. We won 4-0 at home against a good team so we have good confidence coming in. But I think with a win tomorrow, it would be very good for us.”
Despite his less-than-ideal departure from Glasgow, Haksabanovic remains fond of his time in the Scottish Premiership, particularly the experience of the Old Firm derbies.
“The derbies were unbelievable. It surprised me in a good way. The atmosphere was crazy and when you play for Celtic you get to know more about the derby because when you look from the outside, you know a little bit. But when you play for Celtic you get to know it more and understand it more.”
Although no longer part of the Hoops, Haksabanovic is eager to see his current side prevail over Rangers.
“Even tomorrow, it’s going to be a special game for me because I played for Celtic and I’m all for Celtic. Of course, I want to win tomorrow and it’s also special because I played for Celtic and I want my team to win and start the Europa League in a good way.”
Reflecting on his time with Celtic, Haksabanovic added: “I should have scored in the [2023] League Cup final… it was good that we won!”