Jens Berthel Askou has commended Celtic ahead of travelling to face them with Motherwell.
There are just five points between the sides ahead of the clash on Saturday, and the day will be decisive for both sides’ title hopes.
Askou’s outstanding season at Fir Park has earned him links to the Celtic job, but he is off the back of a disappointing 2-1 loss at Dundee.
If he wants to keep their slim hopes of a title push alive, he’ll have to avoid defeat to Martin O’Neill’s men.
How many points will Celtic end the season with?
Will it be enough to win the league? 😅
Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou on Celtic
Speaking to Sky Sports, Askou said of the Hoops’ last outing against Rangers: “The Glasgow Derbies are special games, and are games with extreme intensity, both on and off the pitch.
“[This] creates a very specific emotional and intense state, which blocks some of the complexity in the game, but makes the game more emotional and direct.
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“I’ve seen a lot of Celtic when they have played non-derby games, and they have emotionally controlled more matches.
“It is a club that has fought really, really hard and done extremely well to come back on top, after some really difficult spells this season.
“They have played a lot of games, spent a lot of energy, and now they have come out on top the other day.
“We need to make sure we are at our very best, because it’s a team that can create a lot of pressure, especially at home.”
“Of course it is [a chance to impress], but it is also just a chance to get another three points, which is what we are chasing every week, because we know we need them to be where we are as a football club.
In their last visit to Celtic Park, Motherwell were beaten 3-2 by Brendan Rodgers’ Celts despite going 2-1 ahead. However, they dismantled Wilfried Nancy’s side at Fir Park in December.
Celtic’s run of fixtures before the the SPFL split.
How many points are we picking up from these?
Candidates for the Celtic job along with Jens Berthel Askou
There remain several Celtic candidates for the summer, including Roberto Martinez.
However, Martinez’s participation in the upcoming World Cup complicates his availability for what will be a crucial pre-season period.
Current Wales manager Craig Bellamy is another possibility, though his status depends on whether Wales join Portugal at the tournament in this month’s play-offs.
Additionally, Robbie Keane remains a persistent link, bolstered by his connection to Dermot Desmond.
O’Neill crucially cannot be dismissed as a contender unless his departure at the season’s end is officially confirmed.
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