Mika Baur has called on Celtic to win the physical battle ahead of Sunday's key Old Firm derby at Celtic Park. The 20-year-old midfielder said victory will be decided by mentality and energy, not only attractive football.

Baur made the comments less than 48 hours after Celtic's Europa League home defeat to Ferencvaros. He scored Celtic's only goal in that match, a 44th-minute strike assisted by Kieran Tierney, but the team conceded twice more in quick succession. "We need to win the fights and the duels, that’s the most important thing," Baur said. "We will not win it through beautiful football and nice play."

He was blunt in his assessment of the Ferencvaros performance, stating the team lost important duels and second balls. Baur said Celtic made stupid mistakes and deserved to lose. The summer signing from Germany is now focused on a rapid response against the club's greatest rivals.

Adjusting to Celtic life

The match represents a swift second chance for Baur and four other Celtic players who made their Old Firm debuts just last weekend. That game ended in a 3-0 defeat at Ibrox, with Rangers' D. Neil scoring twice. Baur noted the intense atmosphere of 50,000 opposing fans in that match and expects a reciprocal roar from 60,000 Celtic supporters this time. He is adjusting to a new country and culture while also integrating into the Germany national team setup after receiving his first senior call-up from manager Jurgen Klopp.

"It’s an unbelievable feeling," the 20-year-old said of his Germany call-up. "It’s a big honour and I’m really proud of it."

Despite the personal milestone, his immediate focus is entirely on Celtic's need to rebound. The team sits first in the Premiership with 18 points from six wins, but its lead over second-placed Rangers is now five points. Baur stressed the team must stick together and get energy levels high, requiring 100 percent effort on the field and support from everyone else.

The recipe for redemption

For Baur, Sunday is not about revenge but about returning to Celtic's winning ways. He wants three points to leave Rangers behind in the standings. The midfielder described Celtic as a big club and said he knew what it meant when he joined, but his focus is on short-term steps. The next step is the home fixture against Rangers.

Celtic will be without several key players for the clash, including Yang Hyun-Jun, Alistair Johnston, Callum Osmand and Jota, who are all currently sidelined. The team's recent form shows three wins and two losses from its last five matches, with consecutive defeats against Ferencvaros and Rangers. Top scorer C. Durán, with three goals this season, will be looked to for a threat up front.

Baur's message was clear: collective spirit and winning individual contests are the non-negotiable foundations for success this weekend. Celtic host Rangers at Celtic Park on Sunday, 20 September.

Read the full report at The Scotsman Football