FANS MAY UP HEATONGERS
Jullien had an off day against Kilmarnock time he looks a classy centre-back. But then to be a better defender himself he has to work on the other side.” Jullien and Kristoffer Ajer are Celtic’s first-choice pair at the back and Stubbs doesn’t see any need to change the line-up just a few games in to the domestic campaign. But the Hoops could still do with some competition for places in defence – and give Lennon the chance to shake up his formation when needed. Stubbs said: “Those two are the mainstays but there’s no one pushing them from behind. It leaves them light in that area.
“As a player you look at it and say ‘I’m going to be playing week in, week out’. That should give you confidence as a player.
“But as a manager you want to keep those two on their toes. You need to get someone who you think can keep them on their toes but isn’t necessarily coming in knowing they are third choice centre-back.” Stubbs admitted Celtic were well off the pace at the weekend but there’s no need to be running to panic stations just yet. Lennon’s men have shown they have form over the distance and the former Parkhead favourite reckons the reaction to the Killie draw is only highlighted because those types of displays are so rare.
He said: “Because they set such high standards last season, whenever they dip below them it becomes quite evident. Sunday was one of those days.
“They went on an incredible run after Christmas where they churned out results week in, week out.
“Then suddenly when he’s had a tough afternoon it becomes evident because we’ve not had to speak too much about him making those type of mistakes.
“When you do that for Celtic or Rangers you are there to be shot at. You need the mental strength to deal with it when you come in for a bit of flak.”
●Stubbs was speaking at the launch of Premier Sports live and exclusive coverage of the Betfred Cup and Celtic’s first three European qualifiers (subject to progression). Premier Sports is available on Sky, Virgin TV and the Premier Player. Prices start from £9.99 per month.
Jullien at final whistle
RANGERS title hopes have been boosted by playing behind closed doors – but it could be a different story when the fans are back in reckons Alan Stubbs.
The former Celtic star is convinced Steven Gerrard’s men will make it more of a contest this season as his old club go for 10 in a row.
And he says Gers are feeling the benefit of not having a full Ibrox piling on the pressure at present.
Clubs hope the punters are back soon but Stubbs says Rangers might want to keep the doors closed.
He felt similar heat when he helped stop the Light Blues reaching 10 in 1998 and said: “It helps Rangers having no fans in. When it starts to intensify with fans back it could have an affect on them.
“Don’t forget, last season we had one of the Rangers coaches talking about them dealing with pressure.
“A lot of it comes down to the quality of 11 v 11 without any outside influences. When you do drop a few points, all of a sudden more pressure is added to the mix when you have your fans there.
“At the moment it’s just down to ability and Rangers’ starting XI is very strong. You’d expect them to get results as they’ve gained a year’s experience in the Premiership.
“They should find themselves in a good position but the big question is whether they can do it over the course of the season.
“When Rangers don’t play well it will be about how those players respond to the negativity – not just from the media but from their fans.
“It’s what you have to deal with when you’re going for something so big. It’s what we had to deal with at Celtic in 97-98.
“One minute you are out of a title race, the next
FOUNDED: 1891. STADIUM: Tele2 Arena (30,000).
CO-MANAGERS: Kim Bergstrand and Thomas Lagerlof. Both played for rivals Hammarby and have a much-praised partnership.
HONOURS: Swedish champions 12 times and minute you’re back in it. It’s going to be a rollercoaster season.”
Stubbs believes Celtic will be too strong over the campaign and we won’t know until May if Gerrard’s men are the real deal.
He said: “I still think Celtic are favourites but Rangers will push them further than they have done. They’ve spent a lot of money trying to narrow the gap so if they didn’t questions would be asked.
“They have to be there four weeks from the end of the season. As far into it as that. Because Celtic are not going to fall off a cliff. They’ve proved that over the last nine years.
“They know what it takes to get over the line. Rangers haven’t proved they have what it takes to get over the line.
“They’re not really close to Celtic in terms of the end product when you look at the gaps there have been. We’re not talking a game or two – it’s five, six or seven games difference.”
Stubbs admitted Celtic’s quest for 10 takes top trumps this term.
But he added: “It’s such an unprecedented season in terms of what’s at stake.
“There’s a huge financial carrot in front of the club in the Champions League but the enormity of 10 takes precedence over everything.
“I’d be disappointed if they didn’t get through all the games to the group stage. If you throw in a couple of quality additions there’s no reason they can’t.”
Swedish Cup winners five times.
STAR MAN: Fredrik Ulvestad. Norwegian international, ex-Burnley midfielder who chips in with important goals too – he netted six in 13 this year for Djurgardens.
INTERESTING FACT: Their first full-time boss in 1922 was an Aberdonian, John Maconnachie.