Celtic centre-back Kristoffer Ajer has been talking up the pressure that comes with playing at Parkhead amid rumours of his departure.
Over the course of the summer, Celtic fans have had to dread the thought of a big-money bid coming in for the Norwegian talent. AC Milan have been linked with a £25million move for the defender (Sunday Post), signed from Start back in February 2016.
However, Ajer has still been a regular for the Hoops over the course of pre-season and the start of the domestic campaign. He was alongside Christopher Jullien during last weekend’s 5-1 hammering of Hamilton at Parkhead. It would be a huge surprise if he didn’t continue in that defensive partnership this afternoon against Kilmarnock too.
And despite the speculation, the centre-back has been discussing the pressures of having to win every week. Speaking in comments published by the Evening Express, Ajer appeared fully committed to the cause.
“To finally be back playing is a good feeling and the whole squad is excited to show what we can do. When you are champions you want to show your opponents that and show your strengths. We’ve been eager to put on a performance after all the hard work during pre-season. Every season is a massive season when you play for a club like Celtic.
“We know we have to be at our best from the first game of the season. The fans expect us to win every game and we are hungry to win every game. That is never easy so we have to work hard in training to make sure we can live up to the expectations when we go out on to the pitch.
“We all love that kind of pressure and we’ve missed it, but that time away from football has only made us hungrier for more success. Every team wants to beat us and take points off us and we know that so we have to be at our best in every game and stay focused.
Ajer sounds up to the challenge
We’re not naive. Players can sound committed to a cause before a big-money offer is accepted for them, only for those same players to then depart. Kieran Tierney is a good example (The Herald), along with Moussa Dembele before him (The Scotsman).
However, this is still pleasing to see from a Celtic supporter’s perspective. Until an offer comes in that Celtic deems acceptable, Ajer appears fully focused on the season ahead and task at hand.
It’s key to note here that Ajer is talking about the prospect of more success at Parkhead. Therefore, he won’t be one to down tools if he doesn’t get away this summer. You can almost guarantee it given the Norwegian’s professionalism.
You also have to wonder how big a carrot 10-in-a-row may be for Ajer. Should he leave this summer he’ll be remembered well. A good solid defender that helped build the base for our 10-in-a-row push. However, if he leaves next summer after winning the 10, he’ll be viewed as a legend. It would be a perfect end to his Celtic career.
Given he’s been at the club now for over four years, that must be something Ajer would like. At 22, the AC Milans of this world will always be there a year or so down the line. Hopefully, Ajer’s comments here are a positive, as you wouldn’t know there was any speculation surrounding his future judging by what he’s said.
In other news, Celtic have missed out on an exciting youngster likened to Romelu Lukaku.
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