Benjamin Nygren issues Celtic title warning to rivals as champions look to steal a march on Rangers
Benjamin Nygren insists Celtic won't mind the gap as the playmaker warned the Hoops are only going to get stronger.
Brendan Rodgers's champions made it two wins from two in the Premiership after Sunday's stroll in Aberdeen.
The Parkhead men are tied at the top with in-form Hearts – but have already opened up a four point lead over rivals Rangers.
And the Hoops are set for the chance to go SEVEN clear ahead of the first Old Firm showdown of the season with the Ibrox club planning to postpone their encounter with St Mirren if they seal progress to the Champions League play-offs.
Celts have opted to play their clash with Livingston before their second leg encounter with Slovan Bratislava or Kairat ahead of the derby collision in Govan.
Slick Swede Nygren insisted Celts are ignoring the early lead and are determined to put the foot down. And he's convinced this Hoops side are only just getting up and running.
Nygren – who notched his first goal for the club in the 2-0 Pittodrie win – said: 'No, it (the gap) doesn't matter right now. It's too early. Our focus is on us and that's it.
'We've only played the first two games. I think it's natural that the more games the team plays together, the better it will be.
'It's very early in the season, but we've had a good start.'
Nygren was thrilled to get off the mark against the Dons as Celts showed their quality.
Boss Rodgers is determined to further bolster his squad before the transfer window closes at the end of the month – with a striker and at least one winger on his shopping list.
Celts are still in strong shape and Nygren said: 'It was a very good game and a solid performance from everyone. I think especially the players at the back had an amazing game.
'Aberdeen couldn't get through us and I thought, in general, that it was a very good performance. We had good control, a perfect win and a clean sheet.'
Celtic will discover their Champions League opposition on Tuesday night with Kazakhstan outfit Kairat heading to Slovakia defending a 1-0 first leg lead against Slovan Bratislava.
Nygren isn't bothered who the Hoops hit – as they will be going all out to join the big boys.
He said: 'It's a huge dream for me. I think all players want to play in the biggest competitions.
"There is no bigger competition in club football than the Champions League. It's a big dream and me and the team will do everything to get it. Who would we rather face? I don't know to be honest.'
Rodgers is facing a race against time to snap up new stars in time for the Euro showdown – with his squad to be submitted by midnight on Thursday.
The Hoops can add two players beyond the deadline though with Hoops chiefs chasing several targets.
Rodgers's immediate target is keeping Celts on the trophy trail with Falkirk up at Celtic Park on Friday night in the Premier Sports Cup.
He said: 'We are looking forward to it, very much so. An evening game at Celtic Park is always special. We want to impose ourselves in every competition. It's been a good start in the league and now we go into a cup game.
'It'll be a tough game. John McGlynn's team will be well organised, they'll be on the front foot and want to play.
'But we are in a good place as a squad and a team – and it's only going to get better.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
3 hours ago
- Metro
Jadon Sancho in talks with two new clubs as Man Utd seek transfer resolution
Jadon Sancho has held talks with two new clubs as he tries to secure a move away from Manchester United before the transfer deadline. Old Trafford boss Ruben Amorim has included Sancho in his 'bomb squad' this summer along with the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Marcus Rashford. United have already successfully offloaded Rashford – the England forward joining Barcelona on loan – but are struggling to get Sancho, Garnacho and Antony off the books. Sancho completed a £73m move to Manchester United in 2021 and arrived at Old Trafford with a huge reputation as one of the most exciting players in the Bundesliga and an England international. But the 25-year-old failed to live up to expectations, scoring just 12 goals in 83 appearances for the Red Devils. In The Mixer: Exclusive analysis, FPL tips and transfer talk sent straight to your inbox every week – sign up, it's an open goal. Sancho even had a public bust-up with former United manager Erik ten Hag and partly as a result was sent on loan to Chelsea last season. He was hoping to earn a permanent move to Stamford Bridge but Chelsea instead decided to pay a £5m penalty to send him back to Old Trafford. Sancho has been linked with a number of foreign clubs still that transfer setback, with Juventus and Inter Milan interested in securing his signature. Amorim is keen to see the back of Sancho and Manchester United want around £20m for the former England international. According to Football Italia, Roma have entered the race to sign Sancho and are in 'active contact' with both the player and United over a deal. Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini is said to be a huge admirer of the winger and keen to welcome him to his squad this summer. But another transfer option has emerged for Sancho in the form of Turkish giants Besiktas. The club's president Serdal Adali confirmed on Monday that he was pushing to sign Sancho for Besiktas manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Manchester United legend. 'Just as much as the community wants him, I want him too,' Adali said, as reported by Turkiye Today. 'What matters is not only our desire, but also if the player wants to come to Turkey. More Trending 'We have a budget, and we will do our best to bring him here. Players like Jadon Sancho usually prefer clubs playing in the Champions League. 'Whether it happens today or not, it is hard to say. If it is possible, we will get him. Besiktas fans can rest assured.' As well as offloading Sancho, Manchester United will also work hard to find new clubs for Garnacho and Antony. Chelsea are interested in Argentina international Garnacho while Antony is desperate for a return to Real Betis, where he flourished on loan last season. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Jose Mourinho submits bid for Arsenal star as Mikel Arteta drops asking price MORE: Chelsea interested in signing second Manchester United star after Alejandro Garnacho MORE: Brighton respond to Man Utd's player-plus-cash offer for Carlos Baleba
Metro
5 hours ago
- Metro
Chelsea interested in signing second Man Utd star after Alejandro Garnacho
Chelsea are interested in signing a second Manchester United star after Alejandro Garnacho, according to reports. Garnacho has already given the green light to a summer move to Stamford Bridge but Chelsea are yet to agree terms with their Premier League rivals. United are holding out for £50m for the Argentina international but Chelsea are reluctant to meet that price given Garnacho is in Ruben Amorim's 'bomb squad'. Not too long ago Garnacho was viewed as one of the most highly-rated players at Old Trafford but his career has stagnated. Amorim has instructed his bosses to offload the winger and was unhappy with comments Garnacho and his brother made following the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham. In The Mixer: Exclusive analysis, FPL tips and transfer talk sent straight to your inbox every week – sign up, it's an open goal. Garnacho was subsequently left out of United's pre-season tour of the States and has been training away from his teammates ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. Keen to remain in the Premier League and play for a Champions League club, Garnacho has already agreed personal terms in principle with Chelsea but is waiting for an agreement to be struck between the clubs. Chelsea are pursuing Garnacho despite already spending around £250m on new signings this summer. The Blues are also working on a deal for RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons and remain interested in Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. Chelsea have been repeatedly linked with a move for the England international over the past 12 months and The Sun say they are still 'waiting with open arms'. While not actively looking to sell Mainoo, United are struggling to tie the 20-year-old down to a new long-term contract. Mainoo enjoyed a breakout season at Old Trafford in 2023-24, earning a place in England's Euro 2024 squad and starting the final against Spain. But he was less influential last season and it has been suggested he could struggle for game-time in Amorim's system given the club's summer business. In an exclusive interview with Metro, ex-Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel urged his former club to poach both Mainoo and Garnacho from Manchester United. 'I like both of these players,' he said. 'I have no idea what the issue is with Garnacho and Ruben Amorim because for me he is one of the best players at United. 'The squad is what it is, and you want to get rid of Garnacho. Really? I can't see the sense in that because every time he plays he is a threat. 'The issue is probably the defensive side of his game but that is something you have to work with a young player on. To change their mentality to make sure their defensive responsibilities are taken seriously. 'With Kobbie Mainoo, maybe they feel they need to cash in on him to raise the funds. Maybe he did not have the season we all expected from him last season, he looked a shadow of the player he was when he first burst onto the scene. 'Again, I have no idea what the issue has been. The system, the manager? Is he not happy with the environment at the football club? 'There are so many factors you have to look at right now with Manchester United. If those are two players Chelsea want, I will take those two, definitely. 'They can only come in and improve us as a football club. I know if they come in, they will improve us as a team.' Manchester United legend Gary Neville, meanwhile, believes it is imperative that the Red Devils keep hold of Mainoo and 'build a team' around the youngster. 'Mainoo, no. That's a step too far,' the eight-time Premier League winner argued. 'If we can't give Kobbie Mainoo a job in that two in midfield… I look at Mainoo and the way he plays football and I think a top club would want him. More Trending 'Why can't we make him a top player? If he's one of ours and he's shown talent. I don't know what's gone on there in the last few months. 'He's obviously had some injuries which has caused him a problem so he needs to stay fit, but I'd like to think he could be one of that two in midfield that Ruben Amorim plays. 'It's probably not Casemiro as his partner and it's probably not Ugarte as his partner, it's probably someone else in there who is better than those two, if I'm being honest. 'But we should be building around Kobbie Mainoo in central midfield and not because he's come through the ranks.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Brighton respond to Man Utd's player-plus-cash offer for Carlos Baleba MORE: PSG set transfer fee for Man Utd to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma MORE: Man City tell Tottenham how much it will cost them to sign 'incredible' winger
Scotsman
5 hours ago
- Scotsman
Resilient Hearts set to get stronger
SPFL Premiership season is only two games old Sign up to our Hearts newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Opening fixtures against Aberdeen and Dundee United amount to a difficult start to any Premiership season for Hearts. Deriving maximum points from both games suggests that the rest of the league should take notice of Derek McInnes' new-look side. Indeed, belief at Riccarton is that this team will simply grow in strength and stature in the weeks ahead. Defender Stuart Findlay is, not to put too fine a point on it, absolutely loving life since joining Hearts on loan from Oxford United. Four goals in his first give games is only part of the reason. After scoring twice in Sunday's 3-2 win at Tannadice Park, including a dramatic 94th-minute winner, the 29-year-old left Dundee surfing an emotional wave. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He cited team spirit and unity as two of the most important factors as Hearts look to become a challenging force in Scottish football once again. Both those commodities were vital to Sunday's success as the visitors overhauled a 2-1 half-time deficit to earn an exhilarating victory. 'When I signed, obviously you have played against a few guys here [while on loan at Kilmarnock] and you know what they're like on the pitch,' said Findlay. 'You don't really know what they're like off the pitch, but the changing-room is absolutely brilliant. We've got boys coming from all over the world. Guys like Kyzi [Alexandros Kyziridis] - I never thought I'd be friends with a guy from Greece but we hit it off really early. 'You get these friendships with guys you'd never usually be put together with. You don't win games of football like that if you've not got that unity in the changing-room. As I said, I think we're only going to get stronger. We're only going to get to know each other better on and off the pitch, and I'm excited for what's going to happen going forward. 'In the first half on Sunday we probably had the majority of the play, but we knew ourselves that there was a lot to improve on. We weren't overly happy with the two goals we lost. We needed to do better in certain situations, but we knew they would tire. We knew how hard they had worked on Thursday night [against Rapid Vienna in Europe] and we had to use that to our advantage. We knew set-pieces were going to be pivotal. So to pop up with that, obviously, I'm delighted it was me but we didn't care who it was. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It was a massive three points for us. I know it is early on, but to get six points out of six could be really important for us. The first goal is probably the best header I have scored technically. The second one, just as soon as I saw the ball coming in, I gambled on the front-post run and luckily enough I got a good connection on it. The rest is history, as they say. I didn't realise how late it was in the game. That made it a lot easier when you looked up at the clock and you didn't need to defend for long after that. But it was a special moment and I'm buzzing.' This is still very much an embryonic Hearts side. Recent signings like Tomas Magnusson, Sabah Kerjota and Pierre Landry Kabore have yet to make any kind of impact. Findlay candidly acknowledged that more improvement is needed, and that the two league performances contained rough edges needing smoothed. Hearts Premiership wins against Aberdeen and Dundee Utd show never-say-die attitude 'On Monday against Aberdeen we were the better side throughout, but we knew we weren't probably at our free-flowing best,' said the centre-back. 'We would be the first to admit that. On Sunday, nobody is going to say it was the most vintage 90 minutes. I think we were the better team, we deserved to win, but if you can add the quality we've got to that resilience and never-say-die attitude, we'll be able to win games ugly sometimes. 'We know what we can improve on, we know it's only getting better the longer we play, the longer we gel. Tannadice is a hard place to go to. They finished fourth last year for a reason. So to get three points is a massive victory. Aberdeen and Dundee United hasn't been the easiest start in the world so to start with six points, it's a testament to the squad.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It's also a testament to set-piece coach Ross Grant. Findlay won a penalty-kick from a corner for Lawrence Shankland to open the scoring, then headed home two further corners to secure the win. 'We've got quality in abundance in the right areas,' he explained. 'They've brought in these new players for a reason. When the games are tight, you've got guys that can produce moments of quality. I'm the one that maybe grabs the headlines, putting the ball in the net, but I need the ball put on my head to start with. I think it's a team effort and, as I said, I'm just lucky enough to be the one sitting here reaping the rewards of the double.' Has he worked on heading in attacking areas? 'If you'd watched me over the last couple of years, you wouldn't say that! I think I've scored two in the last two seasons. It's not something I'm known for but I said after I scored my first one that it's something I want to add to my game. That's me on four already for the season. Me and Halks [Craig Halkett] sort of have a little joke with each other, to see who can get the most goals out of a competition. 'It started after the controversy of the Stirling Albion goal, but yeah, that's me two ahead of him now. Obviously it's something we're working on as a team, but my bread and butter is keeping them out at the other end. The two goals we lost on Sunday brought us back down to earth and we know there are things we need to improve on, but I'll take my goals when they come. They don't happen too often.' Halkett was credited with that goal at Stirling and Findlay is no longer arguing the case. 'I'll give Halks that one, I got two on Sunday,' he smiled.
