HATEM ABD ELHAMED has declared that the Celtic squad is ready for the gruelling campaign that lies ahead of them as Celtic look to make Scottish Football history with a tenth consecutive league title.
Speaking to Celtic TV, the right-back admitted that it was good to be back training after a three month hiatus caused by Coronavirus forced the Scottish footballing authorities to call the Premiership prematurely with Celtic 13 points clear. Elhamed made his comeback in the final hame before the shutdown, a 5-0 win over St Mirren, and is enjoying being back training.
“It’s nice to be back with my team-mates and also with the coaches. Pre-season is difficult, it’s hard training, but this is our job and we enjoy it. We want to work hard now and then we look forward to playing games again not long from now.
“To play games – that’s the time that we enjoy most. At training we work hard, and then in the games we can enjoy ourselves.
“This season is very important and I understand it is very special for the fans. As players, we need to make sure that we are up for it and going for 10 in-a-row.
“We’re looking forward to the next game – the first game, the second, the third and so on. We always look game-to-game, and we always have targets. This season, that’s to win the championship again and to make more history.”
Jock Stein’s side created a Scottish footballing record in 1974 with nine consecutive titles. Rangers equalled that in 1997 before Celtic stopped the ten in 1998 thanks to Wim Jansen, Larsson, Lambert and co but now Celtic have the chance to surpass the achievements of Stein’s team and win 10-in-a-row.
Every game will be a must win, especially if Rangers start the season as strongly as they did last season meaning that every player must be up to the required standard.
Elhamed will face competition from Jeremie Frimpong for a starting position at right back; however, the fact that Elhamed can play at centre back stands him in good stead with Neil Lennon should the manager decide to deploy three at the back.
