The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Griffiths frustrated by speculation over Deila
CELTIC: Striker speaks out over ‘disrespectful’ talk from managers aiming to step in
Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths has expressed his frustration at other managers talking about the prospect of succeeding Ronny Deila.
David Moyes and Malky Mackay both spoke this week in media interviews about the possibility of managing their former club one day as the Norwegian’s record continues to come under scrutiny.
Mackay was at pains to point out that he did not want to appear as if he was a “vulture touting for someone’s job” when asked about Celtic, but Moyes went on to outline his opinions on the Parkhead squad and stressed he would only manage a team that had Champions League ambitions.
Griffiths said: “It’s frustrating for us because it’s disrespectful. The gaffer has got a job here and he is doing OK, we are still sitting top of the league.
“So for other managers to say they are interested in the job when there’s a guy still in charge, it’s poor from them.
“The gaffer will just ignore it but us, as players, we get a bit frustrated with it.”
As Griffiths predicted, Deila shrugged off the stories. He said: “It doesn’t frustrate me at all.
“There is a lot going on, the newspapers want to fill their pages every day. All I am thinking about is trying to get the double for Celtic and we have some exciting games ahead.”
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s Premiership clash at Kilmarnock, Deila said: “There are a lot of things going on in the media and I have to have my eyes on what I can do something with, and that is what I do with the team and make them prepared for Saturday.
“I am the Celtic manager and I want to stay the Celtic manager. I want to fight for four trophies in two years and fight for the fifth (title) in a row.
“These are big things. And whatever happens outside that, I can’t use any energy over.”
Griffiths believes some criticism of his manager is unfair with the club one point ahead of Aberdeen and with a Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers to look forward to.
“I think at times it is,” the Scotland international said. “It’s not about how you play football or beating teams by five or six, if you can grind out 2-1 victories, that’s what champions are made of.”