Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell has named Celtic as the best team in Scotland at a press conference.
Celtic face Motherwell tomorrow at Celtic Park. The previous two meetings between the sides have proved to be closely contested. In the reverse fixture in September, Celtic won 2-1 with two goals in the last 10 minutes of the game.
The last time the two sides faced each other at Celtic Park last season ended in a 1-1 draw, with a resolute Motherwell able to keep the Hoops at bay in the second half despite Callum McGregor opening the scoring in the first half.
Motherwell has demonstrated in recent games against Celtic that they are defensively capable of frustrating their opponents. Brendan Rodgers will therefore be aware that his team must be at the very top of their game if they are to emerge victorious.
Kettlewell said: [Motherwell FC], “They’ve changed their manager between the two games: one that earned a point at Celtic Park and one that probably could have and should have been here (Fir Park), if not for the last kick of the ball. But we take massive confidence from that, and we have to.
“The players have to believe that they can be very competitive in the game, like they’ve shown in the two opportunities that we’ve had against such a good side with top-class players, international players.
“What we have to realise as well is we’re playing against, in my opinion the best team in the country. It’s a kick in the guts, but it’s one that comes from a group that there’s serious investment, international players, and a whole lot of silverware from. When we’ve got the biggest task, in my opinion, going to Celtic Park as our next one back everyone will acknowledge that that’s potentially the toughest game that you are going to face. But I think that its always the one that you get to show what you are made of.
“They’ve just put six past Aberdeen in their last game and got another clean sheet so it shows you the magnitude of the task, it’s a huge task.”
Kettlewell’s comments highlight his admiration for Celtic in the way they play and the success that has led to during his time as a coach at Motherwell and Ross County.
Despite the difficult task of tomorrow’s game for Kettlewell’s side, he is clearly optimistic and believes that, despite Celtic being favourites to win, his players can prove yet again to be a tough side to break down due to the defensive structure that he has put in place in just over a year at the club.
Motherwell has arguably proven to be one of the hardest teams for Celtic to face domestically in recent games. This means tomorrow’s game will be difficult, and with Luis Palma and Alistair Johnston only joining up with the squad for training today after international duty for Honduras and Canada, the Hoops have no room for an international hangover despite a fast turn around in fixtures.
Rodgers will look to wrap up tomorrow’s game as quickly as possible, with Celtic likely not to rest any players. The hope is to be a couple of goals ahead in the second half, allowing for substitutions but it is clear from recent games that Motherwell with have other ideas.
Tuesday’s Champions League game away against Lazio is arguably the Hoops’ biggest game of the season to attempt to stay in Europe after Christmas. However, one thing is clear: Rodgers will have all focus on Motherwell tomorrow and won’t look to rest anyone.
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