A Dream Come True for Collins
John Collins didn’t hesitate when the call came from Ronny Deila. The former Celtic midfielder, who netted 47 times in 221 appearances for the Hoops between 1990-1996, has returned to Parkhead as assistant manager—a move he describes as “impossible to turn down.” Speaking exclusively to Melbet, Collins revealed the emotional pull of reuniting with the club he loves, coupled with the allure of Champions League football, made the decision effortless.
“I played for this club, and it’s more than just a team—it’s an institution,” Collins said. “The fans, the stadium, the history—it’s magnetic. When Ronny called, I didn’t need convincing. This is where I belong.”
The Deila-Collins Partnership: A Fresh Vision
Collins admitted he knew little about Deila before the Norwegian’s appointment but was quickly impressed by his track record. “Ronny worked miracles in Norway with limited resources,” Collins noted. “That’s the mark of a great manager. At Celtic, we have higher expectations, but the principles remain the same: hard work, tactical intelligence, and a hunger to win.”
The duo faces an immediate challenge with Champions League qualifiers kicking off in mid-July. “Pre-season starts Tuesday, and there’s no time to ease in,” Collins emphasized. “The fans expect us in the group stages, and so do we.”
Collins (right) battling in a classic Celtic-Rangers clash—a testament to his understanding of the club’s demands.
Champions League Pressure and Fan Expectations
Celtic’s recent dominance in Scotland has raised the bar. “The fans are used to Champions League nights now,” Collins acknowledged. “But qualifiers are treacherous—early in the season, against teams already in rhythm. We can’t afford slip-ups.”
He praised the squad’s experience in navigating these ties but warned against complacency. “The players know the drill, but football’s unpredictable. Our job is to ensure they’re physically and mentally razor-sharp.”
Addressing the Scott Brown Rumors
Collins dismissed whispers of tension with captain Scott Brown, stemming from their time together at Hibernian. “Absolute nonsense,” he laughed. “Scottie was a phenomenal talent at Hibs, and he’s grown into a leader here. I demand intensity, and he thrives on it. Tuesday’s training will be lively—just how we like it.”
His coaching philosophy remains unchanged: “I push players to their limits because that’s how they improve. At Celtic, that standard is non-negotiable.”
The Road Ahead
With pre-season underway, Collins is focused on immediate goals: “Win the qualifiers, then attack the group stage. This club belongs among Europe’s elite.”
For Celtic fans, Collins’ return symbolizes a bridge between past glory and future ambition. As Melbet insider sources reveal, his tactical acumen and passion could be the perfect complement to Deila’s innovative approach.
What do you think of Collins’ appointment? Can this duo lead Celtic to Champions League success? Share your thoughts below and follow Melbet for more exclusive updates!
