KJETIL IS BOILING FOR CELTS
BODO/GLIMT boss Kjetil Knutsen has revealed he has
ended speculation about his future by signing a new deal with the Norwegian champions – because he’s desperate for a Europa Conference League crack at Celtic.
Knutsen was linked with several top teams in Europe after guiding the unfashionable club to two Norwegian titles in a row and he also rebuffed an approach from rivals Rosenborg.
He’s now just signed a new threeyear deal and admits he can’t wait to play the Hoops in the next round in Europe, with the ties in February.
Knutsen said: “I am delighted to end the speculation and so pleased to extend my stay at this great club.
“We have taken steps to improve from the previous season and we want to continue to do that next season.
“But this season isn’t over yet because we meet Celtic in February and I think we can compete with them. I want to be a part of that.
“There’s something about this club – the players, the coaching staff and the fans – which makes it a fantastic place to be.
“That is why I am incredibly happy to have the opportunity to further develop what we have started.
“Although we have shown that we can participate at a high level, we are not yet a stable top club.
“We do not have enough experience to be able to call ourselves that yet.
“But we have huge ambitions to do that. It’s all about exploiting the momentum we have where possible.”
Stress got to me
RYAN CHRISTIE admits he got stressed out by the pressure of Celtic’s failure to win 10 in a row.
The Scotland midfielder, now at Bournemouth, said: “Last season was definitely tough at times and it took its toll. You’re not the first person to say I look less stressed.
“It’s nice now to be out of that on the other side and enjoying everything again. It affects everyone around you. Everyone is just desperate to see you do well and when it goes the other way they feel for you.”