Callum McGregor: We showed character and resilience to get derby win

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Celtic F.C.

·11 de maio de 2024

Callum McGregor: We showed character and resilience to get derby win

Celtic captain, Callum McGregor, has praised his side for their determination in today’s Glasgow derby after the Scottish champions worked hard to win the match 2-1 and open up a six-point gap over Rangers at the top of the table.

Speaking to Celtic TV alongside Man of the Match, Matt O’Riley after today’s victory, McGregor also spoke about how the team’s organisation at the back was key in securing the result this afternoon.

Vídeos OneFootball

“Defending as a group in the box, we work on that constantly,” he said. “That’s why Joe has as few saves as possible that he has to make, because they’re a unit and they defend together.

‘You have to have that grit and determination.’

“We were tested at the end, boys were making blocks, tackles and headers. That’s all part of being a successful football team.”

Matt O’Riley scored Celtic’s opener after some good work from McGregor in the build-up, and the midfielder says that his goal comes as a result of the work that he and his team-mates do on the training pitch.

“I had a couple of shots before which were close,” O'Riley said. “So I felt good in and around the box.

‘We work on that in training and it was a good time to score.’

“I found that bit of space and I trust myself in those areas.”

Today’s win at Celtic Park means that the Celts are on the brink of their 12th title in 13 years, and the Hoops’ skipper has said that, having come through today’s challenge, they will now look ahead to Wednesday night’s match against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park where they can complete the job.

“In derby games and league titles, there’s always difficult moments,” McGregor said. “You’ve got to come through them.”