Celtic manager Ronny Deila remained adamant he is the right man for the Hoops hotseat, despite seeing his side beaten for the second time in the space of four days.
The Norwegian’s hopes of guiding his team to a domestic treble ended with Sunday’s 3-1 League Cup defeat by Ross County and Aberdeen inflicted further misery on the Hoops last night with a 2-1 win at Pittodrie. Celtic’s gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership has been reduced to three points with 14 games remaining but Deila is convinced he can lead the team to the championship.
He said: “Aberdeen deserved to win. They scored a fantastic goal, while we didn’t create too much.
“I have always regarded Aberdeen as serious title challengers. They are a good football team and hard to beat here.
“I have never said it would be a one-way race. We are three points ahead and have the goal difference. We will do everything we can to bring the title to Celtic Park.
“We will fight to the bitter end to win this title.
“I am confident I am the man who can do this.”
Celtic forward Leigh Griffiths accepts that Aberdeen are serious title contenders following last night’s victory.
He said: “We knew before the game that Aberdeen are going to push us right to the end but we are still in control. It was a disappointing result but Aberdeen deserve credit for sticking to their game plan. When you give Aberdeen a two-goal start it is always going to be difficult, especially with the crowd they had behind them.
“We are still right behind the manager.
“We are still three points ahead and it is our title to lose but Aberdeen will keep pushing us to the end.”