Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Jullien confident Celts will be able to deal with strengthened Rangers
CHRISTOPHER Jullien insists Celtic are ready for whatever Rangers’ reinforcements throw at them this season.
Steven Gerrard replenished his attacking options on Tuesday after spending a reported £8.5 million to land Kemar Roofe and Cedric Itten.
The double swoop was a clear statement of intent from Gerrard as he plots to end Celtic’s quest for 10 in a row.
Jullien fully expects to see a stiffer challenge coming from the team on the opposite side of Glasgow – but the Frenchman insists the Hoops have improved since last year, too.
The defender said: “Rangers are definitely going to be stronger, for sure.
“They are our opponent. They are going to take some more players in to add something and make them champions. That’s normal. That’s what we expect.
“But that’s also why we’ve worked hard since we came back.
“We know our group is really good and really strong – but we also know that our opponents will be stronger.
“I think all the teams in the championship will have some more players with them. If they can stop our run, they will do everything.
“Rangers have bought some players and that’s good for them. But I’m really proud of what we are and what we’ve done since the beginning or pre-season.
“I just can’t wait for the marathon to begin.”
Neil Lennon hopes to make some further additions to his own squad but Jullien is praying those coming in are not replacements for star striker Odsonne Edouard.
“You always want to play with the best and Odsonne has shown to all of Scotland and the world he’s a really good striker,” he said. “I want him to be by my side.”