Abada aims to inflict more misery on Rangers at Parkhead
Like many others before him Liel Abada has been taken aback by the ferocious Old Firm atmosphere this season – but he insists he has revelled in the heat of the derby and is aiming to enjoy Sunday’s fifth and final meeting with Rangers this season.
The Israeli winger made the most of his opportunity with a goal the last time the rivals met at Celtic Park – a pivotal match in the title race, won 3-0 by his side – and with the SPFL Premiership trophy now within sight, Abada is hoping for more of the “fun” factor he experienced back in February.
“It was such an amazing atmosphere. It’s always fun to score against Rangers. It’s a great feeling to score against your biggest rivals. I was happy to give the supporters a big result,” he said. “The most important thing was we won the game and collected the three points.
“Was it the best atmosphere I have experienced? Of course. I’m only 20 and played in some big games in Israel. But this was amazing. If we win on Sunday, could it be even better? Of course.
“The atmosphere is always amazing inside Celtic Park but if we win the championship,
I don’t even know what it will be like.
“We can talk about that afterwards so the focus is on Sunday and completing our goal.”
Regaining the title in Ange Postecoglou’s first season after such a significant turnaround in personnel last summer would at least meet, or exceed, many expectations and since arriving for £3.5 million and contributing 15 goals Abada wants to cement his own success and clinch the crown over the next fortnight.
“I had high expectations from myself when I arrived here,” he added. “I wanted to achieve the best I can and all of my team-mates and coaches have helped me do that. I always had big expectations, even as a young player coming to a big football club like Celtic.
“It’s about working as hard as you can for the team and for the supporters. It’s great fun to see all the love and appreciation you get from the supporters when I am in the city. Everyone is so good when you talk to them in the street, I just want to repay them.”
Abada credits his fellow countryman Nir Bitton in shouldering the burden and easing him into Glasgow life.
He says he has now settled in Scotland with some home comforts provided by his Israeli international teammate who has taken him under his wing off the pitch.
“Nir has become like a big brother to me. When I came here he made sure I had everything I need. On top of being a really good player, he’s a top human being,” said Abada.
“Nir and his family have really helped me settle in Glasgow. I can’t explain how much he’s
helped – he even cooks for me! He’s really done a lot.
“Celtic are a very warm club with passionate supporters. I feel right at home now.
“It was difficult coming here at first as a young player, but I am a footballer who has a dream and I want to improve.
“We feel very united in the dressing room. There is a great atmosphere and we are all there for each other. Callum Mcgregor has been the most important player in the squad though. He’s looked after everyone and kept us all together. He has been very good for us.”