Callum McGregor spoke to Viaplay after the 1-1 draw in Dublin this afternoon against Premier League side Wolves in front of over 28,000 Celtic supporters and a few hundred fans from the the West Midlands outfit.
It looked like Kyogo’s really goal was going to be enough to with the friendly for Brendan Rodgers but as Gerry McCulloch on Celtic TV put it the Wolves player Docherty, ‘did a Cantwell’ to steal a penalty kick which was duly converted in the closing stages to give Wolves a draw in a match where they were second best for much of the 94 minutes.
The Celtic captain though knows that results start mattering next Saturday and today’s friendly was a very positive exercise with high quality performances coming from across the squad, including new signings, the Celtic Academy and guys generally regarded as being on the fringe of the first team squad.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game,” the Celtic captain said. “Obviously coming here to see the fans was excellent as well, it gave us a real good lift. I thought for the majority of the game, we played really well, created some really good chances and probably on another day we do go and win the game.
“It’s disappointing when you get into the latter stage of the game – it’s concentration and it’s fitness at this point in the season. You have to work really hard to keep your structure together because it’s a pass through the middle of the pitch that leads to the penalty.
“Maybe it’s a penalty, maybe not, but that’s probably the only disappointing aspect is that is come from a structural thing. But it’s early doors in pre-season. We’ll get there in terms of the fitness work as well,” the Celtic captain added.
“I think when you’ve got so many willing runners in the team like Kyogo, Daizen, Liel, even the midfield boys joining in – it’s quicker to go in behind with one pass. We don’t want to be a team that is always short passing, we want to try and hurt teams in behind as well. There were some good instances of that today.
“I thought the new lads came in and did really well today. Like you say, they’re brand new in terms of the system, so it’s up to us guys to teach them what it is to be a Celtic player. Early signs are really good,” Calmac added.
🍀 Celtic captain Callum McGregor gives his verdict on the draw with Wolves and how new players are settling in
"Early signs are really good." 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/g2DG1qjN59
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) July 29, 2023
Now it’s back to Scotland for a day off tomorrow then the squad will get ready for the final pre-season match, the James Forrest testimonial on Tuesday evening against Athletic Club from Bilbao in the Basque Country, such as special place and a fantastic football club too. James Forrest deserves a 60,000 sell-out and tickets appear to be shifting fast as the game approaches.
Then the real action gets underway on Flag Day next Saturday lunchtime when Ross County are the visitors to Celtic Park.
Mon Celtic 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/Wd6tIQ0SWz
— Rachel Lynch (@Rachel_Lynchx) July 29, 2023
