Johan Mjallby knows a thing or two about the importance of a solid core and a steady partnership at central defence in any football team. The Swedish powerhouse played 198 games for Celtic as well as countless occasions for his native Sweden throughout his long and illustrious career in the game.
Always a rock at the back in games for Celtic and the national team, Mjallby knows the importance of that uncompromising base at the rearguard that brings stability and allows the creativity of the forward parts of the team to flourish on a weekly basis. He played for Celtic for several years beside numerous defenders, creating some memorable backline’s along the way.
Bobo Balde, Joos Valgaaren and Alan Stubbs are some of the names that this colossus had forged a defensive partnership with in his time at Celtic Park. For sure, when it comes to defending there’s just about nothing the big man doesn’t know or has experienced during his tenure as a player, coach and now manager.
That’s why he’s insistent that Celtic tie up USA international Cameron Carter-Vickers on a full-time contract if they wish to have sustained success after this year’s League and Cup double triumph. The former coach to Neil Lennon was speaking to Sky Sports today as he took part in the Billy Against Dementia golf day, which aims to raise awareness about the condition.
The former Celtic star said to Sky Sports:
“It was a 100 per cent success last season. I don’t think many supporters thought at the start of the season that things would turn out this great. The transformation has been fantastic, so to be sitting with two trophies in the cabinet and being in the Champions League is a wonderful place to be.
“It’s looking great for the club right now. It’s very important not to stand still. I’m sure they are working very hard to try and strengthen the team and find the right type of players the manager wants. You have the core of a good squad. You have youth in the team but you need that experience as well.
“If you have a settled back four and a central defensive partnership then it’s important you try to keep Cameron and tie him up to a new deal. Even if it doesn’t go to plan then they need to be able to get someone else to come in. I don’t think the fans have to worry about the club being content.
“Last season was Ange’s first in charge and he will want to show the supporters and the club that the team will improve even more. Especially in Europe they have to do better. They were a bit naive last season and they have to do better this year. I’m sure they are working on trying to make Celtic 2022/23 even more powerful and stronger than last season.”
Mjallby will know first-hand how crucial the winning of the League crown back at the first attempt will have been, considering the dire shape we were in at the final hurdle last season. The Ten-in-a-row dream was over by March for goodness sake. A lot of our problems stemmed from not having a robust enough centre, losing soft, silly and sometimes inexplicable goals to teams with a fraction of our talent.
The success this year has largely been down to the triangle of Hart, Starfelt and Carter-Vickers. If we hope to prolong the success we’ve had this season over the Ibrox club domestically and make in-roads in Europe, then Johan is right on the money with his summation of the current Celtic squad; keep them all together and have a right good go next term!
Paul Gillespie
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