Celtic fans were left stunned after St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari made a bold statement during his pre-match press conference ahead of their Scottish Premiership clash. The Finnish coach, who took over the struggling Saints earlier this season, expressed an unexpected level of confidence and defiance despite facing the reigning champions at Celtic Park.
With St Johnstone battling at the lower end of the table and Celtic sitting comfortably at the top, most managers in Valakari’s position might have adopted a more cautious approach when speaking about their chances. However, the 51-year-old manager surprised many with his unwavering belief in his team’s ability to compete against the league leaders.
“Nobody expects us to get anything from this match,” Valakari admitted. “But that doesn’t mean we won’t go there with the belief that we can cause an upset. We are not afraid of Celtic. They are a top team, but we will go to Glasgow and fight for every ball.”
These comments quickly spread among Celtic supporters, many of whom found his confidence surprising given St Johnstone’s recent struggles. Some fans took to social media to express their disbelief, with many questioning whether Valakari was underestimating the challenge his side would face at Celtic Park. Others, however, admired his fearless approach, seeing it as a refreshing change from the usual defensive mindset of teams visiting Celtic’s fortress.
Celtic have been in superb form this season under Brendan Rodgers, with their attacking prowess and defensive solidity making them the clear favorites in the title race. The Hoops boast an impressive home record, having turned Celtic Park into a fortress where few teams leave with points.
Rodgers, responding to Valakari’s comments, remained diplomatic but made it clear that his team would not take St Johnstone lightly. “Every team in this league deserves respect,” the Celtic boss said. “Simo is a good manager, and he will have his players ready. But we are focused on our own game, and we will do everything to ensure we get the three points.”
Despite St Johnstone’s low position in the table, Rodgers insisted that his players would not become complacent. “We know every game in the Premiership is a challenge. Our job is to stay focused and keep playing at the high standards we set for ourselves.”
While Valakari’s confidence is admirable, the reality is that St Johnstone will need a near-perfect performance to take anything from Celtic Park. They have struggled for consistency this season, and their defensive vulnerabilities have cost them crucial points.
One of the key questions ahead of the match is whether St Johnstone can contain Celtic’s attacking threats, particularly Kyogo Furuhashi, Luis Palma, and Matt O’Riley, who have been in scintillating form. Valakari will need to devise a defensive strategy that frustrates Celtic while also ensuring his team can pose a threat on the counterattack.
Despite the odds being stacked against them, St Johnstone will take encouragement from some of the surprising results seen in the Premiership this season. Football is unpredictable, and while Celtic are overwhelming favorites, Valakari’s men will be determined to give a strong account of themselves.
Celtic fans remain confident ahead of the game but are also intrigued by Valakari’s approach. Some believe his words could backfire and serve as motivation for Celtic to put on an even stronger display. Others respect his ambition, acknowledging that his team has nothing to lose and everything to gain from this fixture.
On the other side, St Johnstone supporters appreciate Valakari’s positive attitude, seeing it as a sign that he is trying to instill belief in his squad. Given their struggles this season, a competitive performance against Celtic could be a significant step in rebuilding the team’s confidence.
Simo Valakari’s bold statement has added extra intrigue to an already exciting fixture. While most expect Celtic to dominate, the Finnish manager has made it clear that St Johnstone will not simply roll over. Whether his words inspire an unlikely upset or simply set the stage for a routine Celtic victory remains to be seen.
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