DEPARTING manager Ronny Deila insists the Celtic squad he is leaving behind is good enough to make the group stages of the Champions League.
Two titles and a League Cup were won with Deila in charge, but, of course, failure to make progress in European competition counted heavily against him.
Deila, though, is adamant the group of players he leaves behind have the quality to succeed this summer where he failed.
He said: “Yes, I think this squad could get to the Champions League next year.
“We will meet the same kind of opponents next time and Celtic should be good enough to beat them seven times out of 10.’
The champions hope to be in a position to name Deila’s successor within a fortnight and the outgoing boss has admitted he would be happy to give advice on the strengths and weaknesses of the squad he’s inheriting.
He said: “Of course, I would be happy to take a call from the new manager. If he wants that, then it is not a problem for me.
“What would my advice be? I’ll leave that to the call.”
Deila, 40, said: “It is difficult to explain. It is now a long time since I said I was going to leave and now there are just a few days left.
“It is good in one way, but in another way it is a little bit sad. I think when I get some time off, and take time to reflect, I’ll feel very proud of my two years here and I will have a lot of good memories. I’ll feel I have a lot of experience.”
Deila also believes his openness with the Hoops support has preserved his relationship with them.
“And so you have to be very honest with yourself and be yourself. And then, whatever happens, you can look yourself in the mirror and know that you have been true to yourself.
‘I think that gets through to the fans. I admit mistakes when I have made mistakes. I’ve admitted when things haven’t been positive. In the end, I think you get respect for that.
