Hype of the Old Firm clash has Boyata in total bemusement
HAVING squared up to Manchester United during his spell at the Etihad, Celtic’s Dedryck Boyata is well aware of the fervour and hype that precedes a major city derby. But, as he gears up for his first taste of Old Firm action in next weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-final, the Belgian has expressed his shock at the difference in attitudes north and south of the border.
In Manchester, the build-up lasted for days. In Glasgow, as he has discovered from the moment the draw was made at the start of March, it goes on for weeks.
Ever since the heavyweights were paired together there has been a heightened sense of excitement in the city. One that Boyata has been unable to escape.
Indeed, every time the former Manchester City defender steps out of the house he is gently reminded just what is at stake by supporters, repeatedly denied their ‘Old Fix’ in recent seasons, already working themselves into a state of frenzy.
He said: ‘I’ve never actually felt this rivalry between Rangers and Celtic before. I don’t know that much about the derby. But I know that a month before the game I had people telling me to be ready for it.
‘When I go to the restaurant or when I got stopped at the airport by the people taking my passport, saying: “Oh, you play for Celtic? Be ready for that game”, I was surprised.
‘I was at the airport two weeks ago and people were telling me to be ready. I’m thinking OK, but we have four games before then, so you can see what people think of it. ‘When I signed, I was told Celtic against Rangers is the biggest game you could ever have, especially in terms of atmosphere.’
By his own admission Boyata’s knowledge of Mark Warburton’s men is fairly limited, yet he does have a connection with the Championship winners. Coming through the youth ranks at Manchester City, he shared a flat with Vladimir Weiss, the Slovakian midfielder who spent a campaign on loan at Ibrox and helped Walter Smith’s side to a League Cup and SPL Double in 2010/11. Boyata said: ‘I have seen the games on television before. I have a friend who was playing for Rangers at the time, Vladimir Weiss. We used to live together. ‘I remember watching him play in the matches against Celtic, and also sitting in the stand with the Rangers fans. ‘I know a bit about the game but not that much. And I haven’t spoken to Vladimir for a bit now. But I know he will be supporting Rangers — we’re not going to be on the same side this weekend.’
Asked if he had been keeping tabs on Rangers ahead of next Sunday’s showdown, Boyata added: ‘No, I haven’t, so I don’t really know the Rangers team much from this year.
‘But I know they won their league, so they will be with us next year. Even though I didn’t follow it that much, I know they are a big team here in Scotland, so I know how hard the game will be.’
The Old Firm hostilities may represent alien territory for Boyata on Sunday, although the 25-year-old is adamant he will not be fazed.
As a teenager, he was handed his full home debut for City in the first leg of the 2010 Carling Cup semi-final against bitter rivals Manchester United. It is an experience he reckons will stand him in good stead at Hampden.
‘My debut for City at the Etihad was in the Carling Cup semi-final against Manchester United,’ recalled Boyata.
‘We won the game and it was a big experience. We won the first leg and lost the second leg. No one was talking to me about that derby a month before it took place.’