Celtic would rather be playing anyone else other than Glasgow City this weekend, admitted head coach Fran Alonso.
The Spaniard says City are still the best team in Scotland and the favourites to beat his side, despite the champions losing 5-0 to Rangers before the winter break.
With clubs only given four weeks to train ahead of the new season, Alonso would have preferred to face City when his side were fully match fit.
“It can not get worse than playing Glasgow City in the first game,” said Alonso. “I would play any other team.
“Especially last time, it wasn't a fair battle, they had only stopped for two months while we had stopped for six, they could compete while we couldn't compete, and they trained for a month so we couldn't compete with them, they were so dominant in every single aspect of the game.
“So this time it's the same for both, in terms of fitness it's going to be very similar, but I would rather play any other team because in my eyes the minimum preparation is six weeks - four weeks is far too short.
“I know the last game they lost 5-0 which is something they've never experienced before, but for me they are still the team to beat. They are the champions, the best team in the country and definitely the favourites on Sunday.”
Listen to the full press conference above from Fran Alonso’s chat with the media earlier in the week
Fran Alonso: Celtic would rather 'play anyone other than Glasgow City'