Jim Goodwin has attempted to turn the heat up on Celtic by suggesting Ange Postecoglou’s side can’t afford any slip ups.
The Hoops have won 14 of their 15 league games so far this term, and enjoy a six point lead with a game in hand at the top of the Premiership.
Yet Aberdeen boss Goodwin has sensed an opportunity to pile a bit of pressure on ahead of tomorrow’s Pittodrie meeting.
He said, as per the Daily Record: “You can see that with some of the results that have happened already prior to the World Cup break. I don’t think anyone can underestimate each other.
“I don’t think Celtic will be coming up to Pittodrie expecting an easy game. At the same time we know it is going to be difficult as well because they are a top team.
“Celtic want to win that league title again and don’t want any slip ups. I don’t think they can afford any slip ups as obviously Rangers have had a managerial change and will be looking for a bounce.”
While every Celtic fan would rather the team don’t slip up over the next few weeks, surely the whole advantage of having a healthy points advantage is that it does allow you the odd dropped point.
But away from that issue, Goodwin’s big mistake seems to be assuming that the Celtic management and squad pay any attention to what happens at any other club.
If last season proved one thing, it’s that this Celtic side are only focussed on what they can control, their own application and levels of performance.
Take this famous Ange quote for example. It arrived just after Steven Gerrard departed our rivals. (FourFourTwo)
“I’m just making everyone really aware that we can’t get distracted by anything or anyone else. We’re trying to build something here, and when you’re trying to build something, and be successful, you can’t afford to be looking over your fence at what other people are doing.
“We’ve got to build our house, make it nice and beautiful and then see how it stacks up against the rest of the neighbourhood.”
Celtic don’t just have the blinkers on. As far as they’re concerned, they’re the only horse in the race.
Roll on tomorrow.
In other news, Celtic have earned a six-figure fee for player participation at the World Cup
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