Julian Araujo has conceded that his introduction to life at Celtic has been anything but straightforward, describing the past week as an intense experience for a new arrival…
Despite the upheaval, the defender says he is encouraged by how things are shaping up after being handed his first start in the win over Dundee United.
The Bournemouth loanee completed 60 minutes in Saturday’s commanding 4-0 victory, using the outing to sharpen his match fitness and regain rhythm following limited game time earlier in the season.
Defeat to theRangers, Nancy sacked and a third spell for Martin O’Neill
Few players would expect such a turbulent welcome. Araujo was first thrown into action off the bench during an unsatisfactory defeat to theRangers last weekend, before joining team-mates in facing frustrated supporters outside the ground.
Matters then shifted again when Wilfried Nancy who sanctioned his move was sacked last Monday, paving the way for Martin O’Neill to take charge.
Speaking to the mainstream media in a post-match media conference at Celtic Park after the 4-0 win over Dundee United, Araujo said: “Before I came, I was watching all the games. You just have to be ready to adjust, whether it’s a formation or a new gaffer.
“All the staff and the players have welcomed me well and helped me turn round a crazy situation. You’re going day by day. I’m happy to be able to adjust quickly because now we have to turn around for Wednesday.
“Whoever it is, I need to keep my feet on the ground and stay humble. Whether it’s me or someone else playing in my position, then it’s competition – they’re here to make me better, and I’m here to make them better. I’m happy I got the start, and hopefully we can keep going forward.
“I’m very happy. The intensity was high, and the fans helped us. It brings me back to when I played in Las Palmas, they are asking me to play inside a bit, play outside and play to my winger very quickly. You are representing Celtic, so you need to stay to the highest standard.”
Araujo has also quickly found a sense of recognition in working under O’Neill, even after only a short time together. He noted similarities between the Celtic interim boss and Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre, suggesting their approach and presence carry comparable traits.
The defender said: “I think he’s very similar to what my national team manager is like. He’s very simple with the basics. But everybody knows their role, and he gives you that confidence; he puts you under a lot of pressure because he knows what your capabilities are.”
“The players know him more than I do, but from what I’ve seen and what I know, he’s a good man and a good gaffer.”
“It was just him letting me play, giving me the confidence to do what I do. They brought me here for a reason; they know what I am capable of. There are little things I can build on. We’ll watch the game over with the analysis and see what more they want from me.”
I HOPE WE ARE LOOKING AT BOWIE OF HIBS AND MASWANAWHISE OF MOTHERWELL ,TWO PLAYERS WE NEED HH
Dont mention the Araujo red card incident?
Keep quiet about that one,of course.
Well done ref again.