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Kasper Schmeichel reflects on Celtic triumph vs Leipzig as stopper quickly dispels Dortmund myth

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Kasper Schmeichel has delivered some intriguing thoughts speaking to the media today ahead of Celtic’s trip to Kilmarnock on Sunday.

The veteran Denmark international was in superb form during midweek as the Hoops toppled Leipzig at Parkhead, illustrating his timeless nature after making several stops to deny the Bundesliga outfit.

Coupling that with nine domestic clean sheets, Kasper Schmeichel has made a fantastic start to life at Celtic, and supporters have been mightily impressed with his reflexes and distribution.

Atalanta BC v Celtic FC - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3
Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images

Characteristically, the former Leicester City man is also a big voice in the dressing room, imparting his experience on the pitch as Celtic chase domestic glory and Champions League progression.

However, he was keen to dispel some myths earlier today as he offered his thoughts ahead of the Bhoys’ trip to face Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership this weekend.

Kasper Schmeichel on Celtic’s victory over RB Leipzig

Speaking as part of his media duties, Schmeichel shared his pride after the Bhoys saw off Leipzig in the Champions League, but was quick to dispel any chat that the victory helped to prove a point after Celtic’s heavy defeat to Borussia Dortmund on matchday two.

He explained: “I think it was a very good performance. It was complete in many ways. Started the game really well, went behind, and then we needed to show the character and the belief, the determination, and the composure to get back into the game; we worked our way back in, and I thought it was a performance that had everything.”

When asked about the group facing criticism in Dortmund and wanting to prove a point, Schmeichel added: “I don’t know, to be honest, I don’t really view it like that. With the greatest respect to you guys, I don’t read what you guys write. It can be quite ruthless sometimes and it needs to sell.

“For me, I looked at the Dortmund game. It was a one-off; I knew that wasn’t indicative of the team that we were; they hit their best day, and we hit our worst day. When those two collide at the level of the Champions League, that can happen.

“We showed in Atalanta, and we showed against Leipzig exactly the type of team that we are. We showed it in pre-season when we played both Man City and Chelsea that we do have the ability when we move the ball fast to go and cause a lot of trouble for every team and we certainly did that against Leipzig.”

Celtic in a good place mentally to kick on after Leipzig

With Kilmarnock now the most relevant task at hand, Celtic are in the best place they could possibly be to head to Rugby Park full of confidence.

Nevertheless, belief in your own ability cannot be substituted for complacency, especially with the possibility of Aberdeen going top against Dundee on Saturday evening prevalent.

Position Team Played MP Won W Drawn D Lost L For GF Against GA Diff GD Points Pts
1 CelticCeltic10 9 1 0 29 3 26 28
2 AberdeenAberdeen10 9 1 0 20 9 11 28
3 RangersRangers10 6 1 3 15 8 7 19
4 Dundee UtdDundee Utd11 4 4 3 15 13 2 16

Ultimately, Celtic will be favourites against Kilmarnock, but they need to guard against any notion of a European hangover at a tough venue to claim a result, which will be a familiar mission this campaign amid their involvement in the Champions League until January at the very least.

Hopefully, the Bhoys can take the challenge in their stride before the next international break comes around, offering some respite.