With Celtic now on a seven game unbeaten run, things seem to be looking upfor Ronny Deila. There are now very few fans calling for his head and quite rightly so.
February had and still does have the potential to make or break Celtic’s season, as winning less than the domestic treble being seen as a failure for the Hoops and unfortunately the main target for criticism if that happens would be the manager.
With Celtic still fighting for honours in four competitions the future is looking bright. Having overcome the tricky tie with Rangers last weekend, it has definitely settled some nerves.
However, had Celtic lost that game then things might have been very different for the young manager from Norway. None the less, he led his team to a vital win to place his team in the final of the Scottish League Cup.
This brings us onto today’s game with Dundee. The boss had his team rallied for the game but having said that it wouldn’t have been hard due to the importance of the game. Evidently his side were first out the traps with an early goal.
Passion is not something that the former Stromsgodset manager lacks. He literally kicks every ball and challenges for every header from the sidelines. The way he celebrates every goal as if it is the winning goal in the World Cup final is a joy to watch.
With his side strolling to a 2-0 victory, they have booked their place in the quarter final draw of the William Hill Scottish Cup. He rounded off a good afternoon with his trademark “Ronny’s Roar” which many Celtic fans have grown to love.
Another thing which will do him no harm is his enthusiasm and passion as mentioned before. That is something that as a fan you love to see. Proving that it’s not all about the money it’s about the club and personal pride.
Coming up before the end of the month is a double header with Roberto Mancini’s Inter Milan in the Europa League. It may be coming just at the right time for the Glasgow giants led by their own Norwegian warrior, as the Italians are struggling with form.
Deila has managed to bring in two of the finest Scottish talents in Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven, plus they sealed Kris Commons’ new two year deal only yesterday. The two new boys have been added into the squad with immediate effect.
Ronny’s style of play has taken time for the fans to adjust to but now it seems that we are seeing the fruits of his labour. It seems by giving him that little bit extra time has allowed the players to buy into his tough fitness regime and his change in tactics.
On paper Deila is doing nothing wrong. He has managed to create a young, fast-paced squad with a core that is oozing experience and class. Could this be the bunch that replicates the team of ’67 with their quadruple?
That might be a bold statement to make, but for the club spearheaded by the charismatic Norwegian, who knows? Only time will tell.
One thing is for sure. He will always remember his first season in charge of the mighty Glasgow Celtic.
