UNDER-PRESSURE Celtic manager Ronny Deila would not consider the consequences of defeat against Morton as he urged his players to show more fighting spirit.
Deila’s position has come under increasing scrutiny following consecutive draws against Hamilton and Dundee, which have allowed Aberdeen to cut the gap at the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership to four points.
When asked whether failure to beat Championship side Morton in the William Hill Scottish Cup quarter-finals could cost him his job, Deila said: “I’m not thinking of losing, that’s the first point. You can talk about losing, we want to win on Sunday, and we want to have a good performance, and that’s the only thing in my mind right now.”
Consecutive defeats to Ross County, in the League Cup semi-finals, and Aberdeen a month ago had already intensified the debate about the Norwegian’s future following a disappointing European campaign.
When asked if he had been given reassurances that his job was safe, he replied: “I’ve never had that in my life, reassurances in football. That’s for sure. You have a contract, and that’s what you have to work for.
“But I have a feeling, a good feeling we are working together, and [will] stay together. And that’s the most important thing.”
Many Celtic fans displayed less than positive feelings after Wednesday’s goalless draw with Dundee, as they booed their team off the park. But a defiant-sounding Deila is convinced he can win round the supporters.
“I really understand how people reacted because we are not very satisfied with what we did,” he said.
“I really understand the fans, but it’s also important to understand that we need to do this together. I know the fans know that. Every time we go out and play they stand behind us.
“And they will do that in the future because they are Celtic fans.”
The Celtic squad gathered ahead of a meeting with Deila after his media conference.
“It’s about communication,” the Norwegian said. “We have to clear the air and be agreeing on the way to move forward.”
Meanwhile, defender Dedryck Boyata has lost his unfair dismissal claim following his red card at Hamilton last weekend. Boyata saw his appeal thrown out by a Scottish Football Association-appointed disciplinary tribunal yesterday.
The Belgian centre-back will now miss the Hoops’ Premiership game against Partick Thistle on Saturday, March 12.
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