Crunch Time For Deila

KR Reykjavik vs Celtic
KR-völlur, Reykjavik, Tuesday 15th July
Kick-Off 8PM (UK time)


Both Forrest and Brown miss out


The summer hasn't been so bad once Celtic finished the season in May. We had the World Cup to look forward to throughout June and early July. That kind of competitive action gave us the fix we needed to last us until Celtic were finally back in action in Austria.

Like most Celtic fans, unless Scotland are at an international tournament, i look forward to a Celtic game more than any World Cup game, even the final. They are interesting no doubt because i am a football fan but Celtic comes first. What is more exciting or nerve-wracking about this preseason is that we are under new management. Lennon guided us twice to the CL group stages, going through qualifying rounds along the way.

Our new manager Ronny Deila has little European experience on this level. So what we go into is at present an unknown. Yet he has at his disposal players who have gone the distance, who have experienced exactly what it takes to get us to where we want to be. Our first test is a tough one, with the Icelandic side already being over 10 games into their season, but it is certainly not a task we should be heading into with any fear.

With the away game being played first it is imperative than we bring an advantage back with us to Murrayfield. Reykjavik will come out with a very high tempo and look to use what should be their only advantage in fitness. This is where the Bhoys will need to be careful and make sure that they match the energy and then the overall quality will shine through.



Deila is under immediate pressure

We have been promised a new playing style from the manager. An open attacking philosophy. One that he knows himself will take time to implement and perfect. While we all want to see Celtic play the Celtic way, for now, for these qualifiers its about winning. Lets get to the group stages and then from there we can express ourselves. These are exciting times for Hoops fans, new manager with a new philosophy, his legacy begins tonight.


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Published on behalf of EB the author of the article above.​