Team has talent to succeed at home and in Europe, says emotional boss
RONNY Deila last night predicted his successor as Celtic manager will be able to build on his Ladbrokes Premiership victory this season and achieve greater domestic and European success in the future.
The Norwegian bade an emotional farewell to Parkhead after two years in charge last night following an emphatic 7-0 triumph over Motherwell in their final league game of the 2015/16 campaign.
The 40-year-old fought back tears as supporters chanted his name during a lap of honour off the park and did his trademark “Ronny Roar” victory celebration for them several times.
Peter Lawwell, the Celtic chief executive, last week confirmed to Herald Sport that a replacement would be announced by the Scottish champions within the next fortnight.
Deila fielded several youngsters yesterday – and Jack Aitchison became both the youngest player to make his debut and score in the 128 year history of Celtic when he came on as a second half substitute. He is just 16 years and 71 days old.
The former Stromsgodset manager believes that whoever takes over from him has enough talent to fend off the challenge of Rangers in the Premiership next season and qualify for the group stages of the Champions League for the first time in three seasons.
“There is so much talent,” he said.
“It is hard work and you have to be innovative all the time, be ahead of the development. We are 15 points ahead after Aberdeen lost today and that gap is tough to close. I don’t think that will happen next year.
“I think what you saw today is something that can be built on. With new fresh energy coming in I think we will go for more trophies and hopefully there are better results in Europe.
“I am very happy with the young players. KT (Kieran Tierney) scored his first goal and it won’t be his last. Jack came in and was very good. Ryan (Christie) is very talented.
“What’s important is the club is taking the right choice now and getting the right coach in who can build on what we have started.”
Despite the send-off he received as Celtic won the title for a fifth straight season, Deila admitted he had no regrets about his decision to stand down. He stressed, though, that he is keen to return to management quickly.
“I felt right after I did it,” he said. “But after that it is tough. At the same time, there have been ups and downs and you have to be honest to say that.
“To win 7-0 on a sunny day, with a great atmosphere, was perfect. It was a dream.
“It was a very tough day. It’s hard to speak about it. I am grateful to have been here. I have learned so much in two fantastic years. I am just going to enjoy the new life now. There will be new opportunities but these two years will always be special to me.”