CELTIC? IT’S TOUGHEST JOB OF ALL
Deila says Parkhead pressure will not be equalled anywhere
THE countdown ticks onwards. In eight days’ time, Ronny Deila will delight in the presentation of a second Premiership trophy of his tenure before departing Celtic.
A confident, stylish victory over Aberdeen tomorrow lunchtime would help make the farewell that little bit fonder.
Aside from removing any arithmetic caveat about their status as champions, three points would emphasise superiority over the nearest challengers. It would also settle a lingering score, given that Deila’s side twice have succumbed to defeat at Pittodrie this season.
From there, the Norwegian will very much have one hand pressed against the exit door. But what happens when he pushes it open and steps away? What will be next?
Reports in Denmark have already linked Deila as a contender for the Brondby job. And few would be surprised, given his exceptional achievements at Stromsgodset, if he were to re-enter management somewhere in Scandinavia.
The 40-year-old wants to continue working outside of Norway. Beyond that, he is keeping a very open mind about future employment.
Yet Deila is still convinced of one thing. No matter where he ends up, the intensity won’t match that which he has experienced over two years at Parkhead.
‘The most important thing for me is that I suit the style of the organisation and how they run things,’ said Deila.
‘I will take with me the wisdom that I have gained here. But it is going to be difficult to get as high pressure a job as I had here.
‘It would have to be a very, very good football team. I don’t think there are a lot of clubs in the English Premier League which have that pressure. I think you have to go to the top six or seven teams to get that.’
While the English elite won’t be lifting the phone, Deila will have options. That was a point emphasised this week by Celtic’s Danish centre-half Erik Sviatchenko, who declared his current manager to be a perfect match for Brondby.
‘I don’t know anything about that,’ said Deila. ‘Again, it is rumours.
‘What I know now is that there are three games left at Celtic, then I am going to have a vacation. But I am hungry for work. I have learned a lot here and have gained a lot of experience and I want to stay abroad. That is how it is.
‘Could I see myself ever managing in Scotland again? It is hard to say. You never know in football. I have done everything in Norway. Like I said, I have been abroad and I want to stay abroad. But now it will be good to have some time off and then we will see when we start again.’
How long would this break be? Does Deila envisage himself being back in a job for the start of next season, prepping his new team while Celtic are involved in the Champions League qualifiers?
‘It depends what kind of job. If the job is right, I can start at once. But if it isn’t right, I will have a good time in Marbella,’ he laughed in response.
There are numerous things Deila will miss about Celtic. One of them is his working relationship with Scott Brown.
The Parkhead captain has kicked his last ball this season as he is given a break to allow recovery from tendonitis in his hamstrings. Playing through that pain only increased Brown’s standing in the eyes of his manager.
‘He has been a very good captain,’ stated Deila. ‘He has a lot of experience. He has always given 100 per cent. He is that kind of player, he’ll go through everything to get a result and get a scoreline. He has been a leader on the pitch and in training.
‘He is a very good trainer, together with Charlie (Mulgrew). They are very positive in taking people on in that matter. He has been very important for me.
‘I think it is important that Scott is now given a rest. It is 99.99 per cent sure that we are going to win the league. Now is the time to make everything right so Celtic can have good preparation for going into the Champions League.’
Deila also offered plentiful praise to Aberdeen yesterday, insisting Derek McInnes and his players deserved credit for the challenge they mounted this term.
Yet that does not mean the Norwegian would accept anything less than victory as Celtic seek to clinch five-in-a-row with a flourish.
‘We want to win on Sunday, that’s important, to show who is the best team in Scotland,’ Deila added.
‘We have beaten them every time at Celtic Park since I have been here, so we want to finish it off in an even better way with three points.
‘We lost twice at Pittodrie and, of course, that hurt a lot. But at the same time, you have to give credit to Aberdeen.
‘They have a clear style, a strong unit. The whole club is happy. They have had a good season. They have pushed us, maybe more than they did last year.
‘Even though it was quite close last time, in the end we had 17 more points. Hopefully, we will again get a lot of points ahead between now and the end, so it’s important to win on Sunday.’
While they await the collective title party, one personal accolade has made its way to Celtic. Winger Patrick Roberts, on loan from Manchester City, was named Ladbrokes Premiership Player of the Month for April.
‘I came in January but, by the time I was kicking on and starting games, it was April,’ admitted the 19-year-old.
‘I’m a bit disappointed that the season is coming to an end because I’m now getting a run of games, but it’s been a good way to end the season.’