Hamilton clash ‘bigger than Inter’, claims Deila

RONNY Deila has stressed the importance of Sunday’s visit of Hamilton by claiming it is more important than Celtic’s European exploits.
Ronny Deila has stressed the importance of the clash against Hamilton. Picture: SNSRonny Deila has stressed the importance of the clash against Hamilton. Picture: SNS
Ronny Deila has stressed the importance of the clash against Hamilton. Picture: SNS

The Parkhead fans are still getting their breath back following the dramatic 3-3 Europa League home draw against Inter Milan on Thursday night.

The Scottish Premiership leaders go to San Siro on Thursday night for the second leg of the last-32 tie still in with a chance after fighting back twice to grab an injury-time equaliser through substitute striker John Guidetti.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However, the Hoops boss believes the league, with its Champions League reward for the winners, remains paramount .

The Norwegian claims his players have the mentality to adapt back to the different domestic challenge against Accies, who, after a terrific start to the season, are without a win in seven.

“We know that the league is the most important thing,” said Deila, who has midfielder Kris Commons back following a hamstring injury which kept him out for three games.

“So, in my mind, this Sunday is more important than Thursday night because we know what is in the pot if we win (the league).

“It (adapting) is about culture. That is what we work on every day and when you have a clear style sometimes it is easier to go into matches when you are tired.

“You rely on your pattern, where everyone knows what’s happening.

“That is what we want to build up here and that is going to be hard to cope with for any team who comes to Celtic Park.”

Returning to the thrilling game against the Serie A giants, Deila claimed that it showed the clear improvement in his side since the start of the season when they passed up on two chances to qualify for the Champions League.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The former Stromsgodset boss said: “If we had met them six months ago, we wouldn’t have had a chance so I think we are going the right way.

“It was a good performance and good to come back from two down. And we had a very young team.

“Football is about entertaining and pleasing people and it seems people were happy with the way we approached the game and that we fought to the end and got a result.”

FOLLOW US

SCOTSMAN TABLET AND MOBILE APPS

Related topics: