Yahoo Sports Callum McGregor speaks exclusively to Celtic TV
Celtic captain Callum McGregor is gearing up for a big test as Aberdeen visit Paradise tomorrow (Saturday), with both teams enjoying excellent form in the league.
McGregor, who has been in fine form himself this season, reflected on his goalscoring start and the strength of the squad as the Hoops prepare for another important challenge.
The midfielder has already netted four goals from outside the box, and he’s hoping to continue in the same form.
He told Celtic TV.: “Sometimes you get little periods where you hit one, it goes in, and then all of a sudden, subconsciously, the confidence is there.
“Every time you hit a shot, it goes in. Hopefully, that continues in the same vein of form. Like with any player, when the confidence is up, it helps everything – it helps the flow of the team, it helps your individual game.”
The captain believes the team’s excellent pre-season has played a big part in how they’ve started the campaign.
He said: “It’s probably a sign of where the team’s been at – the flow of the team has been excellent.
'The quality we have shown, probably since the first day of pre-season, has been really good.'
The Celtic captain also echoed comments made by his team-mate Luke McCowan, who recently spoke about the fierce competition in training, describing it as the hardest part of the week due to the quality in midfield. McGregor highlighted the high demands placed on the midfielders during training.
He said: “The intensity in training and what the coaches are asking us to do in terms of the game model is at a very, very high level.
“You need to have all the components of your game to be able to play in there, especially in midfield. There’s so much tactical understanding of where you need to be, playing in tight spaces, so I’m not surprised Luke’s said that. He’s coped really, really well since he came in. As have all the midfield boys.”
McGregor added that competition in midfield has always been fierce, and this season is no different.
He said: “I’ve said it every year since I’ve been here: the Celtic midfield has always been really strong. You have to be at the top of your game to make sure you stay in the team.
“It’s about the fluidity of the team – having three in there, whichever three it is, who can help the team do what they need to do and set up the game for the attacking guys. It’s obviously a really important part of the team.”
As Celtic prepare to face Aberdeen, McGregor acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead, particularly with the visitors’ unbeaten run.
He said: “It’ll be a tough challenge, as it always is. The added confidence that they’ve won every game they’ve played will bring them even more belief.
“We’ll try to take the game to Aberdeen to get the three points and a positive result, but we know it’ll be a tough test on the back of their form. The onus is on us, as it always is at home.”
To hear more from Callum McGregor ahead of this weekend’s top of the table clash in Paradise, watch the full interview now on Celtic TV.
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Fixtures
Celtic Vs. Aberdeen - Sat, Oct 19th 2024, 15:00
