Future bright for Dons, says Deila
RONNY DEILA insists Aberdeen should not give up on ambitions of winning the Premiership title in the future after admitting they caused him genuine worry this season. The departing Celtic manager hopes to arithmetically confirm five-in-a-row in winning style when Derek McInnes’ side visit Parkhead tomorrow lunchtime. Aberdeen trail by nine points and have a vastly inferior goal difference, but Deila felt there were times when a far tighter finish seemed possible. With Rangers set to return after a four-year absence to increase top-flight competition, there is a perception in some quarters that the Dons have missed out on their best chance of becoming champions. However, while admitting his successor will take charge of the clear favourites, Deila pointed to his own experience with Stromsgodset as evidence that a club with fewer resources can eventually triumph. ‘As I have said before, I won with a small club in Norway,’ he said. ‘It is possible. ‘But it took six years to do it and we were leading the league three times in a row in the summer by seven points. ‘In the first year, we collapsed and fell seven
points behind Molde. In the second year, we were second, just three points behind first place, and in the last year we did it. ‘You learn every year. If you keep consistency in the coach and the players everything is possible. ‘I think Aberdeen, if they can keep their consistency, will be even better next season — if they can get more experience and maybe get another couple of players. ‘They are doing positive things. It’s important that Celtic improve into next season, as well. ‘If not, they could be closer. But Celtic are the best team now and they have advantages over the other teams when next season starts.’ Deila will exit Parkhead after his side are presented with the second Premiership trophy of his tenure a week tomorrow. But the pressure applied by Aberdeen at various points — combined with Celtic’s patchy form — meant he never felt easy about that outcome. ‘When you are a coach, you are always worried,’ the Norwegian added.