CELTIC cult hero Boli Bolingoli has been talking to the new edition of Celtic View about his start to life as as Bhoy following his £3million move from Rapid Vienna in July.
Taking over from Kieran Tierney was always going to be difficult for any player, given the status that the former Celt was held in among the support, but the Belgian has set about the task of winning over the support and he comes back with the rest of the Bhoys this weekend, after the pause in proceedings for the international break, happy in the knowledge that he’s succeeded in that task.
The road was certainly bumpy though but Bolingoli has shown a resilience that the Celtic support admire and the love and affection coming his way from the fans can only help his confidence in a Celtic jersey.
Here’s what Bolingoli told the Celtic View: “I feel like I’m starting to be the real Boli on the pitch, the Boli that loves to play and run.
This week's @CelticView is out now…
◾️ John Kennedy previews our return to action
◾️ Boli on settling into life with the Hoops
◾️ Exclusive interviews with the new Bhoys
◾️ WIN a pair of tickets for #CELKILPlus much, much more – in-store and online now ????
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) September 11, 2019
“That energy was missing a bit in the beginning and I feel like I’m getting it back and getting the confidence back.
“I can see that in how I’m playing now. When I looked back on the previous games I noticed my body language was not the same.
“I have to show my real qualities at home now. That’s another challenge for me but that’s going to be alright.
“I’m overcoming the challenges in front of me now and I’m feeling very mentally strong.
“Whether we’re at home or away, we need to work hard and, if we do that, I know we’ll be fine.
“I’m getting used to it now though, and that means I can concentrate on my football.
“The pressure will always be there in every game, so we just have to play our game and not let anything distract us from what we’re trying to achieve on the pitch,” Bolingoli told the Celtic View, as reported by Daily Record.
He has also been joined by Greg Taylor the £2.2million signing from Kilmarnock on transfer deadline day and the Scotland international might get the nod at the weekend for the Saturday lunchtime visit to a Hamilton. Taylor is well used to playing on the plastic pitches which are bound to be a culture shock to Celtic’s summer signings.
This game is not without risk for Celtic. A cautionary tale for you to consider. The Rangers were on an incredible high after defeating Celtic with a deflected Ryan Jack goal on 29 December last year.
That drew them level on points with leaders Celtic who had the better goal difference. Their momentum though was lost as the winter break kicked in and their next game, towards the end of January was away to Kilmarnock on their plastic pitch.
The Rangers took the lead but Kilmarnock went on to score twice to win the game. Jordan Jones scores the winner on a night Celtic won comfortably to go three points clear.
The Rangers never got as close to Celtic again for the rest of the season.
The point? Celtic won the Glasgow Derby on Beautiful Sunday, then went into the international break. We return to action, playing on a plastic pitch, with numerous new players who have yet to experience this particular aspect of the Scottish game.
Let’s make sure we don’t make the same mistake as the Rangers.
ALSO ON THE CELTIC STAR…
Worried about Olympics? Eddie lovin’ PSG? More worried about the £30m Financial Times (droppin’ the e)…see HERE.
Moritz Bauer reveals full details of Jordan Jones’ apology after Ibrox Red Card…see HERE.
