CALMAC’S DON’T PANIC MESSAGE
CALLUM McGREGOR isn’t too concerned about the two postponements caused by the stupidity of Boli Bolingoli, who effectively ended his playing career with one overnight stay, apparently to meet a female, in Spain last week. The games will get played whenever it is possible and the Celtic midfielder reckons that the ground will be made up when that happens.
“I don’t think there’s any reason to panic at all. We are only focused on ourselves. We have been through this week and we have got a positive game to look forward to on Tuesday against KR Reykjavik.
“In terms of actual fitness, I don’t think missing the games will be a major factor going into the qualifier,” Calmac said, as reported by Scotsman. “It’s more about match sharpness and decision making, after the turnover and recovery from games. We had played a couple of games and the boys were starting to find their feet and their level. But the quicker turnover of games from midweek to the weekend would have helped us in terms of sharpness.
“Instead we have a five, six day lead-up to the game so it’s a case of doing your fitness work and then tapering off. Our fitness shouldn’t be impacted too much but it would have been nice to have a few more games to get more match sharpness.
“It would have been nice to get back to playing quickly to make up for the disappointment of that day (at Rugby Park). That would have been ideal but we are now looking ahead to the qualifier.
“It’s a nice game to have and we have to get it right on the night. There is big pressure on the boys to get the win and make sure we go through. But we look at that as a positive.
“Once we get the games there then we focus on every game at a time. It’ll just be further down the line that we catch up on those fixtures.”
McGregor reckons that the Celtic squad has the experience to cope with the early season frustrations and also recognises that the importance ion this season means that the intensity levels are already sky-high as Celtic chase the magical Ten-in-a-Row.
“There are instances the boys have dealt with it brilliantly as a group and it is not different now. The boys understand what’s at stake and how we have to come forward in a positive light and show our togetherness again.
“When you are successful year on year the target gets bigger on your back. It is up to the players to defend the club and defend the supporters. The boys are well aware of their responsibility to the club and the fact they have to deliver going forward.
“So we are in a positive frame of mind, looking forward to the game on Tuesday night. We just want to get back out on the grass where we can play our football and show everyone we are together.”
