After a bumpy ride in the start of the season, it seems like Celtic manager Ronny Deila is finally seeing consistant result from his side. The critics were rampant early in the summer, when an unknown Norwegian was appointed manager for such an illustrious club as Celtic FC.
The press was also having a field day, when Celtic were defeated 0-1 at home to Hamilton, a novelty side in Scottish football. Deila was said to be out of his depths, and comparisons were made to fellow norwegian Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s failing project with Cardiff City in Wales. Never has a Norwegian manager succeeded in the United Kingdom, and Ronny Deila was looked upon as yet another failed project. The fans wanted a manager of bigger stature, to match the size of the club.
The situation did not look brighter as Celtic was knocked out of the qualification stage to the Champions League, by Norwegian manager Henning Berg and his Polish side Legia Warsaw. Then being reinstated to the cup qualification, only because Legia had fielded an ineligible player in one of the two matches. Celtic had been outplayed over the course of two matches, and was clearly not looking like a side that should play in the Champions League. Many saw this decision as an outrage, and that the penalty of Legia beeing thrown out of qualification was too strict. However, Ronny Deila accepted the decision, and prepared to face Slovenian side Maribor in the next round. But after a draw in the first match in Slovenia, Celtic showed a very disappointing display in the home leg, and were beaten 1-0.
That was seen by karma by many, but the fact is, Celtic never looked capable to play in Europe’s biggest competition this season. But by playing Europa League, Celtic was able to advance to the knockout stage. Their next opponent is Italian giants Internazionale in a two-leg knockout starting on February 19th.
We should remember that Ronny Deila took over Celtic at a time when there was a lot of turnover, and many good players left the club. These players were instrumental in the Champions League campaign under previous manager Neil Lennon. Victor Wanyama, Gary Hooper and Joe Ledley had left before Deila had even taken over at the club. And chances are, he had little say in the departure of talented goalkeeper Fraser Forster, as he left shortly after Deila’s arrival. It must be said that Deila inherited a somewhat depleted squad.
In order to fill the holes Deila brought in goalkeeper Craig Gordon, striker Stefan Scepovic and striker John Guidetti on loan from Manchester City. All three have been regular members of Celtic’s line-up this season.
Celtic are expected to win the league with ease every season, at least as long as rivals Rangers FC are playing in a division below. But the absence of Rangers, is also a perfect opportunity for other clubs to compete for the title, as Aberdeen have shown this season. It may be argued that the absence of Rangers in the top division is a loss for Celtic as well. The rivalry brings extra income and focus on Scottish football. The absence of the Old Firm also means that Celtic do not face their toughest domestic opponents, and that again may be counterproductive for the club, and leave them a bit weakened for European football. Hopefully Aberdeen will give Celtic good competition for the next few years, or at least until Rangers regain their previous stature.
Ronny Deila and Celtic are currently sitting on top of the Scottish League, and are still playing in Europe. The team has progressed and taken to Deila’s tactics. The Norwegian looks very safe for the time being, but the club will face their toughest test so far this season, when they play Rangers FC in the Scottish League Cup Semi Finals on February 1st. One can bet that both squads will be prepared for the huge clash.
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