Hearts manager Neil Critchley on Celtic, ‘toughest test you can face’

The Celtic Star

·23 November 2024

Hearts manager Neil Critchley on Celtic, ‘toughest test you can face’

Hearts manager Neil Critchley looks ahead to the ‘toughest test you can face’ in Scottish football for this evening’s encounter at Tynecastle between the Jambos and Celtic.

Celtic v Hearts,Scottish Premiership 14/09/2024. Daizen Maeda tackles Gerald Taylor during the match at Celtic Park on 14 September 2024. Photo MalcolmMackenzie PSI

Since arriving to Tynecastle six weeks ago, the former Blackpool boss has taken charge of seven matches. Winning three, losing three and drawing once, there has been an upturn in performances following the departure of Steven Naismith.

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Albeit the Jambos sit in 11th position, two of their only league wins have come under the Englishman. Also, securing an impressive 2-0 victory against Cypriot side Omonoia Nicosia late last month means that one point stands in the way of Hearts reaching the Europa Conference League knockout play-offs.

However, facing the Scottish champions will be Critchley’s toughest assignment yet. Acknowledged by the 46 year-old in his presser yesterday, Celtic are unbeaten domestically during the campaign thus far, and that record does not seem like it’s coming to an end anytime soon.

Celtic v Hearts, Scottish Premiership Reo Hatate during the match at Celtic Park on 14 September 2024. Photo Malcolm Mackenzie/PSI

Although facing off against each other in the dugout for the first time tonight, Brendan Rodgers and Neil Critchley were colleagues at Liverpool. When the Celtic boss was Liverpool manager between 2012-2015, Critchley was the u18s head coach at Anfield.

Critchley’s side will be aiming to become the first domestic opponent to beat Celtic since the Jambos done so at Tynecastle in March – 24 games ago.

However, speaking to the media yesterday afternoon, the current Hearts manager heaped praise on the quality Celtic possess.

Celtic v Hearts – Arne Engels during the match at Celtic Park on 14 September 2024. Photo Malcolm Mackenzie/PSI

He said, “Toughest test you can face, which is Celtic. They’re a fantastic team, there’s no doubt they’re the best team in Scottish football at this moment time. They’re in a really good moment, you look at the facts, they’re unbeaten this season. They’ve only conceded three goals in the league, and one of those was a penalty.”

“We know the challenge that is right in front of us, but we can take confidence in some of our recent performances and if we’re slightly better in certain areas of the pitch, we know we can cause Celtic problems.”

Critchley explained, “they’ve got good rhythm, and there’s a synergy between the players on the pitch. The nucleus of their squad has been together for a number of years and that is really beneficial, and you can see that on the pitch and how they play.”

Arne Engels of Celtic celebrates with his manager Brendan Rodgers after he scores his team’s opening goal during the match between Celtic and Hearts at Celtic Park on September 14, 2024 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

In response to whether Brendan Rodgers will have one eye on Celtic’s Champions League encounter with Club Brugge on Wednesday night, Critchley outlined, “no, not really. I think if you look at Celtic’s team, it’s been quite consistent in terms of who they pick and how they play. Even if they did, they’re still quality players that they’re bringing into the team.”

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Hearts manager Neil Critchley on Celtic, ‘toughest test you can face’ | OneFootball