As we reported on the Celtic Star earlier today, Giorgos Giakoumakis has won this month’s Cinch Premiership player of the month award for March.
Having scored 3 of the goals against Ross County and setting up the fourth in Celtic’s 4-0 win over the Staggies a few weeks ago on top of netting a double against Dundee United as we advanced in the Scottish Cup, it is unsurprising that the Greek striker has claimed this individual accolade.
One thing that might be surprising to a lot of Celtic fans however is the fact that all twelve of Giakoumakis’ goals this season for the club have came as first-time strikes. A quite incredible insight into the striking abilities of the big centre forward but something that the humble 27 year old puts down to the quality of service he receives from his teammates.
Speaking at today’s Media Conference after winning the award the Scottish Premiership Player of the Month said:
“I work a lot on my first touch finish but I can also score with more touches. I’m a striker and when I get the chance to score with one touch then I do it.
“Last season I didn’t only score with one touch but this season it’s happened, although I don’t care how many touches I need, just to score.
“The plan of the team is the best for me with my style of play as it’s offensive and attacking football and it helps me a lot to have many chances in the game.
“It’s my job to score the goals but this is something that really helps me to have these types of chances from my team-mates.”
Going on to discuss Sundays crucial win over city rivals theRangers, which moves Celtic into a commanding 6 point lead with 6 games to go, Giakoumakis states that they weren’t at their very best on the day but that they showed they have the passion and fight to stand up to any challenge.
He goes on to praise the 700 fans, who included the Celtic Star’s own Lubo98, for helping the team during the 90 minute battle, claiming they helped get the team through it. If theRangers board get a glimpse of these comments I fear they will be looking to withdraw that paltry allocation completely next season, though after what we saw on Sunday maybe that would be for the best regarding our fans safety in their stadium.
“We gave everything against Rangers,” he added. “We didn’t play our best game but it was a game that I can say was about passion and fight.
“Eventually, we won the game and it was really important for us to do so. The 700 fans there were a great impact on us and helped us a lot and I’m really proud to have them next to us and we play for them in every game.
“We lead the race by six points but it’s not over yet and we need to protect this lead by winning every game. If we win our games then we don’t have to look at other teams so that’s our mentality right now.
“We won the derby but from Monday we focused on St Johnstone. That’s something we do every week and something we will do until the end.
“The last game at home against St Johnstone was my first from the start. I scored a goal but then I got injured and I had to work a lot on my own. Since the second part of the season I’m really fit and strong and I’m looking forward.”
Nice words by the Greek striker. Ange Postecoglou has instilled this ‘its just another 3 points’ mentality into the current squad, which is exactly the way we should be approaching it. It’s good to hear the focus was straight back on the St Johnstone game after Sunday.
Keep performing the way you have been Bhoys and there will be plenty of time to celebrate at the end of the season.
PS. Can someone from the Celtic Media team have a word with the players about calling games against theRangers Glasgow Derbies and NOT the Old Firm?
Conall McGinty
🍀 #cinchPrem POTM, Giorgos Giakoumakis spoke with the media at Lennoxtown
📺 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 ⤵️
𝙒𝙀. 𝙉𝙀𝙑𝙀𝙍. 𝙎𝙏𝙊𝙋. ✊ pic.twitter.com/NbC035EM99
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) April 7, 2022
🍀 #cinchPrem POTM, Giorgos Giakoumakis 🙌
𝗪𝗘. 𝗡𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥. 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗣. ✊🍀#CelticFC Season Ticket holders the opportunity to secure their seat for the 2022/23 campaign! 🎟️
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) April 7, 2022
