FORMER Celtic manager Ronny Deila has equated his new club, Club Brugge, with Celtic in terms of their stature and ambitions.
Celtic’s manager, Ronny Deila
Action Images via Reuters / Graham Stuart
This comes after Deila stirred controversy in Belgium by leaving Standard Liege to manage their Pro League rivals, a move that led to him being labelled a ‘traitor’ by Standard fans.
Deila, who had previously denied any discussions with Brugge, made the switch a week later. Now, the Norwegian, who led Celtic to two Scottish Premiership titles and two League Cups during his tenure from 2014 to 2016, believes that Club Brugge is on par with Celtic.
He said: [Daily Record]
“I place Bruges at the level of Celtic, it’s a bit the same thing. It may be a bit bigger at Celtic in terms of supporters, but in terms of sporting level, Brugge are at least on the same level.
“What are Bruges’ ambitions? The ambitions are great, but the conditions, the fundamentals are also better there. It will be an exciting challenge.”
Reflecting on his departure from Liege despite his previous comments, Deila explained: “You know, I have the ambition to go as far and high as possible in football, so it’s an obvious decision for me.
“We live in a cynical and cruel world. I try to seize opportunities when they come my way. Then I do my best. It’s a fun, but tiring life. Top-level football is an all-consuming activity, but I don’t know any other life. I haven’t taken time for myself since I’ve been in football.”
The former Celtic man has been on the rise since he left New York City in the MLS, heading to Standard Liege to get the big job at Club Brugge after just a season.
Former Celtic stars Dedryk Boyata and Jack Hendry are still with the Belgian club, and will now be led by Deila.
