Vasilis Barkas was announced as a Celtic player yesterday and his first interview shows that the Greek international means business.
We live in uncertain times. The global pandemic has certainly put a unique spin on everything around us, but when it comes to the transfer window it is all par for the course. Fraser Forster has been the most sought after piece of the puzzle ahead of 10IAR, just go onto any website even remotely linked to Celtic and enter his name and see the amount of times his name pops up.
The questions have seemingly been answered, Forster is to stay at Southampton, it has not been made official but the recent signing of Barkas to The Hoops seems to indicate that we have seen the last of the talented English goalie at Parkhead.
Barkas has given his first interview since joining the Scottish giants, per the official Celtic website:
"“I’m very happy to come to this very big club and I can’t wait to play my first game. I know how important the season ahead is for Celtic. It’s not just 10IAR, it’s Celtic, we are expected to win every championship. Neil Lennon told me about the club, what they expect from me and I’m ready to show that I’m ready to play for this club.“The manager told me about the fans, and I like that and the pressure. If the coach wants me to play, I’m ready. I came here to play. I’m very excited to get playing competitive football again.“I have one very good friend who has a good relationship with Samaras. He told me he said it’s a very good team and the fans are crazy for the team. I really want to see this.“I’ve already played in the Champions League. I might be young but I don’t feel pressure to play here. I can’t wait to play for Celtic.”"
He brings a lot to the table and as we can see by the statement above he means business. There’s a whole lot of history that the young man will have to bear, as the Celtic fans are very proud of their club. Being able to preform under pressure is an essential part of any endeavour, but the push for 10IAR will put an unseen amount of pressure on the players going forward in these next few months.
In a passing of the torch, we may see the 26 year old Barkas step up for his baptism of fire against Hamilton Accies in Celtic’s opening game in the SPL. Lennon threw Forster in last season, fresh off his signing with the club as a loan, so why not give Barkas the same introduction?
Will Vasilis Barkas shine under those bright lights or will he fold?