Celtic vs St. Johnstone

St Johnstone's manager, Simo Valakari, is looking at the team's upcoming Scottish Premiership clash with Celtic on Sunday as an important and valuable opportunity, despite the challenging situation that his side currently finds itself in. The team from Perth, struggling at the bottom of the league, has endured a tough start to the season, having suffered three consecutive defeats. However, Valakari remains resolute and confident in his players’ ability to give their all when facing one of Scotland's most dominant clubs in Celtic, who are not only the reigning champions but also sitting atop the league table.

In his comments ahead of the match, Valakari emphasized that the trip to Celtic Park presents his team with a unique challenge, one that should be viewed as a chance rather than a daunting task. "It's a great opportunity," Valakari remarked. Despite their struggles, he feels that the pressure is off his side, as no one expects them to get a result against a team of Celtic's caliber. This sense of low expectation, however, does not mean Valakari and his squad are taking the match lightly. On the contrary, he believes it can serve as a platform for his players to show their resilience and determination.

"Nobody is expecting anything from us in that match," he continued, acknowledging the significant gap in quality and form between St Johnstone and their upcoming opponents. Yet, this could work in their favor, according to the manager. With less pressure from external expectations, the Saints are free to approach the game with the mindset of challenging the best, without the burden of heavy anticipation. It's a mindset that Valakari believes can help his team perform at a higher level than they have shown in recent weeks.

Valakari went on to explain that the upcoming fixture, along with the hectic schedule in the league, will necessitate careful consideration of player fitness and availability. "Firstly, we will need to see who is capable of playing with games coming so quickly," he said. This is a clear acknowledgment of the demanding nature of the Premiership, where teams often face a tight calendar and must contend with injuries, fatigue, and other physical challenges. In this context, Valakari will have to make difficult decisions regarding team selection, ensuring that those who take to the pitch are in the best possible condition to compete effectively.

Despite the adversity of their current position in the league standings, Valakari remains unwavering in his belief that his team can compete in every match they play. "But we compete in every match," he stated firmly. Whether facing Celtic at Celtic Park, traveling to the intimidating Ibrox to play Rangers, or playing in front of their own supporters at McDiarmid Park, the goal is the same: to fight for every point and to give everything on the field.

This mentality of unwavering competition, regardless of the opponent or venue, is at the heart of Valakari's approach as a manager. He understands that, in football, anything can happen, and sometimes it is the underdog mentality that can lead to unexpected results. Valakari's philosophy is clear: his team will never back down from a challenge, no matter how formidable the opposition may be. The key is to maintain a competitive spirit and fight for every opportunity that comes their way.

Valakari’s confidence in his players' ability to compete stems from his own experience as a player and coach. He has seen firsthand how important it is to approach every match with the mindset of a competitor, regardless of the situation. It’s about creating a culture where every game is treated with the respect it deserves and where players are encouraged to push themselves to the limit. For Valakari, this is the foundation upon which the team’s future success will be built.

Looking at the broader picture, Valakari’s words also reflect a pragmatic understanding of the challenges faced by clubs like St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership. While Celtic and Rangers dominate the league, with their financial muscle and large fanbases, smaller clubs often have to find other ways to remain competitive. For teams like St Johnstone, that means taking pride in their ability to fight in every match and to give their all, even in the face of adversity. Valakari has built a reputation for being a manager who knows how to motivate his players, and in moments like these, when his team is at a low point in the league, his leadership will be crucial in ensuring that the squad remains focused and ready to compete.

In terms of tactics, Valakari has always been a coach who emphasizes discipline and structure. He will undoubtedly instill these principles in his team ahead of the match against Celtic. While Celtic’s attacking quality is formidable, with the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi and Jota capable of causing havoc in the final third, Valakari will likely look to organize his team defensively, ensuring they are difficult to break down. At the same time, St Johnstone will need to remain resilient in the face of Celtic's pressing game, which often leaves opponents with limited time on the ball. The key for St Johnstone, as Valakari sees it, is to maintain composure, stick to their game plan, and exploit any opportunities that arise during the match.

Offensively, St Johnstone may look to be more direct, using the pace of their wingers and forwards to counter-attack when the opportunity presents itself. In previous seasons, the Saints have shown that they can be dangerous on the break, and in matches against the bigger teams, this could be their best chance of scoring. Valakari’s tactical flexibility will be tested, but his focus will undoubtedly be on ensuring his team is well-organized and ready to seize any moment of vulnerability in the Celtic defense.

While the odds may be stacked against St Johnstone on Sunday, there is an undeniable belief within the squad that they can make life difficult for Celtic. Football is unpredictable, and while Celtic are the favorites, the beauty of the sport lies in its capacity for surprises. For Valakari, the objective is clear: to give his players the platform to compete and show their qualities, regardless of the result.

As the match approaches, Valakari’s comments reflect the spirit that he has instilled in his team. St Johnstone may be struggling in the league, but their manager’s unwavering belief in their ability to compete is a testament to the mentality he seeks to foster. It’s a mentality that can help the team turn their fortunes around, starting with the challenge that awaits them at Celtic Park. The trip to face Celtic may not seem like the ideal time to get back on track, but in Valakari’s eyes, it is the perfect opportunity for his players to demonstrate their resilience, determination, and commitment to the cause. "We go on Sunday and we compete," Valakari concluded, and that mentality will be at the forefront as St Johnstone step onto the pitch, ready to face the champions with everything they’ve got.