Elena Sadiku relishing Glasgow derby showdown

Celtic F.C.

·15 November 2024

Elena Sadiku relishing Glasgow derby showdown

After Wednesday night’s brave showing against English champions Chelsea, Celtic FC Women’s side have their sights fully focused on Sunday’s massive SWPL clash against Rangers.

The Celts were defeated 2-1 at Paradise on Wednesday night, however their performance has rightly earned them praise, which will serve to boost the squad’s confidence ahead of Sunday’s Glasgow derby.

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Speaking to the media ahead of this weekend’s match, Hoops boss Elena Sadiku said she was excited for Sunday’s challenge as she reflected on Wednesday’s defeat.

“We were buzzing after the game but also gutted,” she said. “I think the girls deserved so much more for that performance.

“There’s no reason why we shouldn’t all be very excited for Sunday.

'We’re playing against a good opponent. We know what kind of team Rangers are, what their threats are and how we can exploit them.'

“The players put in 120 minutes against Glasgow City and then a brilliant performance against Chelsea and I don’t think they’re happy, I think they want more.

“And they should want more because we have great quality in the squad.”

The Celts have already faced Rangers this season, with a late equaliser from Célya Barclais securing a point for Elena Sadiku’s side.

Reflecting on that match, Sadiku said: “When we started against Rangers, we had the ball, we broke through the pressure but we didn’t create many chances which can make the players a bit frustrated.

“But at the same time, there was a feeling at half time that we can do it. That belief needs to be there from the start.

“For me, it’s about being confident and brave from the start and showing how much we want to win the game and not wait until half time."

Sunday will be Sadiku’s seventh showdown against Rangers since taking over as the Ghirls’ boss in January and she says that it’s a fixture she always looks forward to.

She added: “I love it. There’s a different atmosphere around these games. Obviously there are two teams who want do everything they can to win.

“Rangers are a great team and so are we. There’s a lot of passion in those games and that makes everything more exciting and fun for me.”

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