Paulo Bernardo has talked up Celtic’s opponents this afternoon as he expects a tough challenge this afternoon against Jimmy Thelin’s Aberdeen…
St Johnstone v Celtic – Paulo Bernardo celebrates scoring our second goal of the game during the Scottish Premiership match at McDiarmid Park, Perth on Saturday September 28, 2024. Photo Jane Barlow
Bernardo looking to impress
The Portuguese under-21 captain has excelled in the green and white hoops since arriving on a permanent basis from Benfica in the summer. His price tag of £3.5m has been entirely justified and has proven to be a severe under-estimate of his quality.
Last season, finding a consistent place in Brendan Rodgers’ side was a challenging task for Bernardo. However, his performances whilst paired alongside skipper Callum McGregor and Celtic’s record breaking signing Arne Engels in recent matches, have undoubtedly given the manager a headache over his midfield options.
Waldemar Anton of Borussia Dortmund is challenged by Paulo Bernardo of Celtic during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Borussia Dortmund and Celtic FC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on October 01, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Not only is Bernardo becoming a consistent performer for his club, but he has asserted himself as a talisman for his nation as well.
Midfield playmaker
Whilst leading the Portugal under-21 team out last week, he scored in their 3-1 victory over Faroe Islands which secured qualification for next summer’s EURO 2025 under-21 Championship.
Meanwhile, focus for the midfield playmaker has swiftly shifted back onto club action. The Hoops star has insisted he is under no illusions of Aberdeen’s quality despite the Dons failing to beat Celtic in the two club’s last 25 meetings.
Paulo Bernardo celebrates scoring to give Celtic a 0-2 lead. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Football, McDiarmid Park, Perth Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock
“We need to do it again this year”
“It will be a difficult game, I think. They are playing very well. But we are a big club, and the big clubs have to win. In these types of games, against the second placed team, they are really important for us as a team to step up in this championship this year. Because last season is over, it’s over. So, we need to do it again this year.”
“I think it will be a great game. They are doing very well this year, and it will be great to play in and to watch. Now it’s Aberdeen and then it’s the Champions League match. So, we are focused on [them]and then we move on.”
Celtic are entering into an exciting part of the season. The next five games are spread across three different competitions. Firstly, starting today, the stage is set for a cracking afternoon between the Premiership’s top two as Brendan Rodgers men look to open up a three point gap at the top of the league table.
Conor Spence
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