Celtic won the Premiership and League Cup last season, against all odds and expectations. This time around, they are leading the league title race by nine points, and are still in both cup competitions as well. Thus, most football fans around the country would admit that the Hoops are the best team in Scotland.
Not Fashion Sakala though. As we head towards the Scottish League Cup final at the weekend between Celtic and the Rangers, it looks like some mind games might be underway.
To be fair, the Rangers have improved since the appointment of Michael Beale as manager, after Giovanni van Bronckhorst was shown the exit door. Celtic have not missed a beat either. Thus, when the two teams meet at Hampden Park, it is expected to be a close game and Ange Postecoglou’s side cannot make the mistake of taking the opposition lightly.
On the other hand, it looks like Sakala believes that the Rangers are a much better team than Celtic at the moment. As reported by the Daily Record, he said:
"“It’s more than a game. I don’t know what else to call it. But you’re always thinking about being better than them. That’s the attitude we are going with on Sunday.“Yes we’re better than them, so much better! But we’re nine points behind! We’ll keep fighting anyway. I think we are such a better club. A far better club. If we get that trophy on Sunday it will prove that we are a better team than them.”"
Rangers player makes bizarre Celtic claim before League Cup final
Those are some bizarre comments to make before a final. And one has to wonder, if they are just mind games.
Winning this one game will not prove any team is better than the other one. It is a one-off cup final. That is always decided by the league, which is played over the course of the entire campaign.
At the same time though, that does not mean that Celtic will not want to get their hands on the trophy. On the contrary, it means a lot more than just silverware. Not only will it be a win over the Rangers but it will also keep their treble hopes alive. So, hopefully the Bhoys will bring their A-game to Hampden Park.