Deila: It’s my team Brendan
Ronny Deila insists he’s not jealous of Brendan Rodgers’ success because he has played a part in Celtic’s season of glory too.
Rodgers has enjoyed a sensational first campaign in Scotland taking 67 out of a possible 69 points in the Premiership, ahead of today’s visit to St Johnstone.
It’s in marked contrast to Deila’s second and final season at Parkhead where they stumbled over the f inishing l ine and got knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Rangers.
Deila is preparing for his f irst season in charge of Valarenga in his Norwegian homeland after leaving the Hoops in the summer.
The boss said: “I read that I should feel cheated because of what Celtic have done with the same players this season.
“Why should I feel cheated? I’ m hugely impressed by what Brendan has done this season.
“I feel a sense of ownership about this team that I helped create who are now the best team in Scotland.
“Is Brendan a better coach than me? He may well be... he is one of the world’s top club managers and has been Liverpool boss.
“I hold no grudges against him or anyone. I am proud I have been a part of it.
“I’m very pleased that many of the players I had are doing fine now.
“I’m not a trophy hunter, I operated by creating things. And I have been very clear on this.
“Virgil van Dijk was sold for £ 15million – Celtic’s biggest-ever transfer. Who was involved in that?
“I created things at Celtic and they are now reaping the rewards of it.
“It was part of my job and I hope to do the same at Valarenga.
“People can say what they want, but I lost 19 games of 120 and was the manager of Celtic for two seasons.
“The experience has made me a stronger person.”