Elyounoussi in vow to ‘destroy’ Gers next time
He was smiling as he said it.
But Mohamed Elyounoussi’s intent was clear when predicting Celtic would “destroy” Rangers when they meet in the Premiership at the end of the month.
The Norwegian internationalist helped the Hoops claim the first trophy of the season in last Sunday’s Betfred Cup Final.
He was frank in admitting, however, that the Light Blues had taken his team by surprise.
“You could see they were really on the front foot, and they weren’t always like that in some of the videos we saw,” said Elyounoussi.
“When we had the red card for Jeremie Frimpong, it got even more difficult.
“But on the 29th, we will destroy them.”
Fraser Forster, his fellow loanee from Southampton, produced a Man of the Match performance, frustrating Alfredo Morelos & Co time and time again, and even saving a penalty.
It was not such a good afternoon for Elyounoussi.
“I think you could see in the Final how my fitness was. I had a bad game,” said the 25-year-old.
“I only had two proper sessions in three weeks, so I hadn’t really touched the ball for a long time, which wasn’t the best preparation.
“But I tried my best, and I can’t really think about that now.
“I was just so pleased that the boys did the job, we won the trophy, and that we were able to celebrate.
“When I was injured, of course I targeted the final.
“If I could take the time back, I would probably not have rushed it.
“But it was a big one that I felt I couldn’t miss.
“I had a bad game, but after it I couldn’t think too much about it and just feel the happiness and joy that we won the Cup.”
As Elyounoussi argues, too, the league match offers Celtic a relatively quick opportunity to give a better account of themselves.
“We play Rangers again soon, so I want to get back, get fit, try to get better, have some treatment and be ready 100% for that,” he said.
“I was not satisfied with my performance last Sunday, and the boys know that. I will come back stronger.
“We controlled the game OK, but if it hadn’t been for Fraser, it would have been a really tough game.
“I can’t explain how he became thirdchoice goalkeeper at Southampton.
“He was amazing, like a having a wall in the goal. If we had played another 20 minutes, I still don’t think they would have scored against him.
“We needed him, too, because Rangers were strong.”