Derek McInnes Believes Current Celtic Team Can Surpass Brendan Rodgers’ Invincibles
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes has made a bold statement, suggesting that the current Celtic team has the potential to surpass Brendan Rodgers’ legendary Invincibles. McInnes, who has managed against Rodgers’ Celtic teams in his two spells, highlighted the speed and dynamic of the current squad.
In an interview ahead of Kilmarnock’s clash with Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, McInnes acknowledged the challenge of stopping the Hoops. However, he remains optimistic about his team’s chances, citing their previous victory over Celtic last term.
“I think there’s more speed about this Celtic team,” McInnes said. “There’s a different dynamic about them, as good as that team was and should be remembered as in 2017. Both teams are slightly different, but the approach is still the same.”
He added, “I think there’s maybe a bit more growth in this Celtic side potentially, if they’re allowed to grow. Matt O’Riley left in the summer, but they replaced him with Arne Engels. So, they lost arguably their best player, but they actually look like a better team.”
Celtic’s recent Champions League victory over RB Leipzig impressed McInnes, who believes the team silenced their doubters. He noted, “Everyone was so damning in the fallout from their defeat to Borussia Dortmund. But they got a brilliant result against Leipzig, so it can be done.”
McInnes recognizes the threat Celtic poses but remains confident in his team’s ability to cause an upset. He emphasized, “Brendan’s a top operator and has shown that for years now. He’ll have taken a lot of pleasure from that result, but he’ll also recognize that it will be different here at Rugby Park.”
Kilmarnock’s previous victory over Celtic last term demonstrates their capability to challenge the champions. McInnes stressed, “We’ve got to show confidence and take the game to Celtic. We’ve got to be brave and try to cause them problems.”
Celtic’s Investment Pays Off
Celtic’s investment in the team has paid dividends, with McInnes acknowledging the squad’s improvement. He said, “The investment they’ve made is helping the manager develop this team.”
The current Celtic team’s speed and dynamic have raised expectations, and McInnes believes they can compete at the top level. He noted, “Their performance was very good, and a really good reference for Brendan and his team. It was a top-level performance, and expectations have been raised there because investment was made in the team for Europe.”
Champions League Success
Celtic’s Champions League victory over RB Leipzig showcased their ability to compete against top-tier teams. McInnes praised, “They looked like a mature team at that level.”
Kilmarnock’s Challenge
McInnes recognizes the challenge of stopping Celtic but remains optimistic about his team’s chances. He emphasized, “We’ve got to be confident and take the game to Celtic. We’ve got to be brave and try to cause them problems.”
Celtic’s Manager Brendan Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers has proven himself to be an exceptional manager, leading Celtic to numerous successes. McInnes praised, “Brendan’s a top operator and has shown that for years now.”
Rodgers’ ability to adapt and improve his team has been impressive. McInnes noted, “He’ll have taken a lot of pleasure from that result, but he’ll also recognize that it will be different here at Rugby Park.”
Celtic’s Players
Celtic’s squad has been strengthened by the addition of new players. McInnes said, “They replaced Matt O’Riley with Arne Engels. So, they lost arguably their best player, but they actually look like a better team.”
The team’s speed and dynamic have improved, making them a formidable opponent. McInnes praised, “They looked like a mature team at that level.”
Kilmarnock’s Strategy
To cause an upset, Kilmarnock must be confident and take the game to Celtic. McInnes stressed, “We’ve got to show confidence and take the game to Celtic. We’ve got to be brave and try to cause them problems.”
Conclusion
Derek McInnes’ praise for Celtic’s current team highlights their potential to surpass Brendan Rodgers’ Invincibles. With their investment paying off and Champions League success, Celtic’s expectations have been raised.
However, Kilmarnock remains confident in their ability to cause an upset. McInnes emphasized, “We’ve got to be confident and take the game to Celtic. We’ve got to be brave and try to cause them problems.”
The match between Kilmarnock and Celtic promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to prove themselves.
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