Simo Valakari, the manager of St Johnstone, has recently spoken at length about Celtic and their remarkable form under Brendan Rodgers as the two teams prepare to meet in the Scottish Premiership this Sunday at McDiarmid Park. Valakari, who took charge of St Johnstone in October, is fully aware of the daunting task that lies ahead for his team. Celtic, under Rodgers, have been in sensational form this season, continuing their dominance in Scottish football while also putting in strong performances in the Champions League. Despite the clear gulf in quality between the two sides, Valakari remains optimistic and determined to inspire his players to give their all in what will undoubtedly be a very tough encounter.

Celtic’s current form, both domestically and internationally, is a testament to the immense quality within their squad. Under Brendan Rodgers, they have managed to maintain their stranglehold on Scottish football, playing with an intensity and ruthlessness that has made them the undisputed top team in the country. Celtic’s consistency in the Premiership has been nothing short of impressive, and their performances in European competitions, especially the Champions League, have only further solidified their reputation as one of the most well-rounded and formidable teams in Europe. Rodgers’ tactical acumen and his ability to get the best out of his players have been central to this success, and Celtic’s relentless pursuit of silverware continues to be the driving force behind their impressive campaign.

Valakari, who has only been in charge of St Johnstone for a few months, has quickly come to recognize just how tough Celtic will be to break down. Speaking to Sky Sports, he acknowledged the incredible quality of Celtic, saying, “Yes, we know Celtic and how well they have been playing domestically and in Europe. What I like about them is that they’re so ruthless.” His praise for the Hoops is unmistakable, and it’s clear that Valakari respects the level at which Celtic are operating. This acknowledgment of Celtic’s strength reflects Valakari’s understanding of the challenge his side faces and the need to be at their very best to have any chance of causing an upset. He continued, “For us, it’s a big challenge. But at the same time, we need to go. Crazy things happen in football.” This quote encapsulates the unpredictability of the sport and Valakari’s belief that, despite the odds, anything can happen on the day.

Valakari’s comments reveal his understanding that St Johnstone are likely to be heavy underdogs in both their Premiership clash and the upcoming Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic. However, his focus is on getting the best out of his players and motivating them to rise to the occasion. Despite the apparent gulf in quality between the two teams, Valakari believes that his side must approach the game with belief, determination, and a never-say-die attitude. The possibility of causing an upset, while remote, is still something that he and his players will hold on to, as they know that in football, strange and unpredictable outcomes can occur, even when the odds seem stacked against them.

In addition to the league meeting, the two sides are also set to face each other in the Scottish Cup semi-final later this month. This Cup tie will be another opportunity for St Johnstone to test themselves against the best team in the country, with a place in the final on the line. For St Johnstone, a potential upset in either the league or the Cup would be a huge achievement, and Valakari will be hoping that his players can dig deep and give a performance that matches the occasion. Cup games often bring about a sense of unpredictability and drama, and St Johnstone will be aiming to capitalise on this, hoping to challenge Celtic’s supremacy in Scottish football.

While Valakari is optimistic about his team’s chances, he is also extremely mindful of the gap in quality between Celtic and St Johnstone. This gap is not just a question of individual talent but also the overall team cohesion, tactical discipline, and the level of experience that Celtic possesses, both domestically and internationally. Valakari has not shied away from acknowledging the disparity in quality between the two sides, and he understands that his team will need to perform at the absolute peak of their abilities if they are to stand a chance against a Celtic side that shows no signs of slowing down. The task is undoubtedly a daunting one, but Valakari’s humility in recognizing the challenge demonstrates his professionalism and realistic approach. He is not under any illusions about the difficulty of the task but is determined to inspire his players to compete with the best.

Brendan Rodgers, for his part, will undoubtedly appreciate the respect shown by Valakari and his St Johnstone side. The Celtic boss is known for his laser focus and relentless drive to maintain his team’s dominance, and while he will value the compliments from his opposite number, his primary concern will be ensuring that Celtic continue their strong push for silverware. Rodgers will be fully aware that St Johnstone will come into the game with a sense of determination, as they will want to prove themselves against the best. However, Celtic’s ultimate goal is to maintain their focus and keep pushing toward a domestic treble, with the Scottish Premiership title already within sight and the Scottish Cup and League Cup also in their sights. Celtic are currently edging closer to securing their 55th league title, and Rodgers will be determined to ensure that his players do not take their foot off the pedal, especially against a team like St Johnstone, who will be eager to rise to the occasion.

In the context of the Scottish Premiership, where not all managers show the same level of respect and humility when facing Celtic, Valakari’s comments stand out as a refreshing display of professionalism. His acknowledgment of Celtic’s dominance and the quality gap between the two sides is something that shows a level of maturity and respect that should be a standard in football. Valakari’s approach will likely inspire his players, knowing that they have a coach who understands the challenge but also believes in the potential for surprise in football.

As St Johnstone prepare for what will undoubtedly be a tough challenge, they will do so with the understanding that they are facing one of the best teams in Europe. However, with the unpredictable nature of football, they will hold on to the belief that anything can happen, and that if they play to their strengths, they might just have a chance. For Celtic, the task is clear: continue their relentless pursuit of success, maintain their dominance, and keep moving forward on their journey to achieve another historic treble. The clash at McDiarmid Park promises to be an intriguing encounter, one where the respect between both sides is palpable, but the determination to win is what will ultimately drive the result.