Interview with Strachan below. Looks like he’s a plan ready for next season and it’s interesting that he talks of Celtic being physical, something we’ve lacked a little since MON left.
If Celts can’t take heat of battle, it’ll be like Foreign Legion: They’ll be out
An improvement in standards is Strach’s vow to ensure Celtic retain the SPL trophy
by Ronnie Cully
GORDON STRACHAN today fired the first warning shots to his green-and-white army that playing for Celtic next season is going to be like serving in the Foreign Legion.
If you can’t hack it, you will be left behind. There will be no room for passengers when they march into the next campaign.
The gloves are coming off for the man who took over two years ago and who this weekend hopes to lead his troops to their fourth trophy success in the Tennent’s Scottish Cup Final.
The Foreign Legion is famed for its esprit de corps, a unity and strength of mind and body which makes it almost impossible to defeat.
Strachan wants the same qualities to underpin the side he is remodelling for next season, and explained he is already putting into operation his plan to achieve this goal.
The Celtic manager’s priority is on shooting down Dunfermline on Saturday.
But his forward planning is already up and running as he explained: "Next season does not start on Sunday for me. It started with the signing of Scott McDonald and Scott Brown.
"I know precisely how we are going to play, and if you can’t hack it, it is going to be like the Foreign Legion - you are going to be left behind. Next season there will be a way we are going to play and a standard we are going to perform at.
“There is going to a physical side to how we are going to play, plus a team shape we are going to have. I know what they are and if you can’t do that, you will fall by the wayside. As I said, like the Foreign Legion, if you can’t keep up, we will leave you.”
Strachan denies that, after two years in charge, his my-way-or-out-the-way’ approach is a reaction to any slacking over the final months of this season.
He emphasised: "No, it’s not that. You asked me if I’m ready for next season and I’ve told you I’m ready now.
“I’ll be on the training field with the players and I already have thoughts in my mind what I am going to do. It’s not a hard-nosed approach - just a philosophy for next year.”
The candour and raw determination will have Celtic players and supporters wondering if it was a character replacement and not hip resurfacing which the fired-up boss underwent a fortnight ago.
He may not be back to full mobility as he continues to get around on his crutches, but Strachan’s mind is clearly moving at a pace. Success on Saturday would see him match the trophy haul posted by Martin O’Neill in his first two seasons in charge.
But the present incumbent is aware of the danger complacency poses to his side and is not about to fall into such an avoidable trap. That’s just one reason why he threw down the gauntlet to his fringe players at the weekend to stake a claim for cup final consideration.
The fact only debutant Teddy Bjarnason stood out at Easter Road was not a huge disappointment, nor a real surprise.
Strachan said: "It’s not a problem because I know the team I want to play at Hampden.
"I was wanting decisions to make from last weekend’s game, and none hit me. Teddy did well, but he is too young for this one. He has put himself in the position of being in the squad, though, and he might be a sub.
"The rest of the things that happened on the pitch? In terms of individuals, let’s just say nothing surprised me. The mentally tough were tough. The players were players. The ones who are not as mentally tough showed that.
"The ones who had the desire not to lose showed that. The ones who do not have the same desire as them showed that. So, nothing changed.
"I need to have winners here. I understand people are different. Some are leaders and want to win, some like to be led to be winners.
“But if you’re not either then you drain the life out of others.”
Strachan will not allow that to happen and that message will be delivered loud and clear.
He said: “When it comes down to it, I have to pick a team who have the attitude they are not going to lose and, at the same time, a team which can play.”
Strachan will not be lulled into a false feeling of security based on the fact Dunfermline have suffered the bitter disappointment of losing their battle against relegation.
The Pars already have the consolation prize of a place in next season’s Uefa Cup, courtesy of Celtic pre-booking their spot in the Champions League qualifiers.
Again, any mental laxity would open the door to opportunism by the underdogs. And that would be an unforgivable error on the part of the 10-1 on favourites.
“I watched Dunfermline in their final league game on Saturday and they will be disappointed with their performance,” mused Strachan.
“It’s difficult to deliver a performance when you are not competing for something. Rangers showed that on Sunday. They got their Champions League place and lost their final two games. On Saturday, we are all competing for something - so let’s see who can compete best.”
It’s the one domestic trophy Strachan has not yet delivered for Celtic and the prospect certainly appeals.
He said: “It’s a chance to do the double. Such opportunities do not come round that often, and you have to do all you can to take them when they do. It is a week to be enjoyed, but only if we can get back to our best and win.”
