Paulo Bernardo: Great opportunity to step up as a team | OneFootball

It’s a return to SPFL action for the Celts on Saturday as they host Aberdeen in the first game back after the international break.

And the swiftest of glances at the top of the table will tell you just exactly what this game means as both sides go into the game with a 100 per cent record of wins in the SPFL so far this season.

Both sides have won seven from seven at the start of this 2024/25 season, with the only difference being the free-scoring Celts’ work rate up front allied with a tight defensive partnership at the back giving then a cushion of 12 goals over Aberdeen in the goal difference department.

Celtic fans have yet to see SPFL opposition find the net in the East End of Glasgow, and if the Hoops can keep up the good work at both ends of the pitch, they will put some daylight between them and the Pittodrie side.

That, however, will be no easy matter, and Hoops midfielder, Paulo Bernardo is looking forward to the challenge from the Dons.

He said of the Aberdeen team: “They are doing very well. I think they are a very good team this year and I feel it will be a great match to play in and to watch.

“They are a good team, but we want to win every game, and I think they want to win too, so it will be a great game and a great opportunity to step up as a team.”

Some are labelling Saturday’s head-to-head as possibly Celtic’s toughest test in the league so far, given the Pittodrie side’s strong start to the campaign.

However, Bernardo said: “I don’t know, sometimes we can make the games look easy, but the games are always tough.

“In the beginning it always starts 0-0, so it can be hard even though it can look easy.

“It will not be easy for us, the game starts at 0-0 and the best team will win.

"Every game is a game, so we have to make sure this game is special, and we will do everything to win."

Of course, the Champions have proved a tough test as well for every opponent over the course of this league campaign.

The Hoops midfielder said of Celtic’s start: “It’s been amazing.

"We are a lot stronger if we are together, and we are really together, so that shows on the pitch because we are together both on and off the pitch.”

It’s clear by Celtic’s stats that the defence and the attack have been doing their part with some aplomb, but knitting both together and having a role at both ends of the pitch is a magnificent midfield marshalled by skipper, Callum McGregor.

With new faces added such as Arne Engels and Luke McCowan, it’s a difficult middle third to break into but Bernardo is enjoying the challenge.

He said:  “We have great players in that position and, like I’ve said before, it’s really good to have this competition in the team.

“You grow in training much faster if you have that competition than if you don’t, so it’s really good to have these players training with me.”

More on the game

Fixtures

Celtic Vs. Aberdeen - Sat, Oct 19th 2024, 15:00