McInnes Expresses Confidence Ahead of Celtic Match

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes has called upon his players to demonstrate the “best version” of themselves when they compete against league-leaders Celtic on Sunday. Killie achieved two wins against Celtic at Rugby Park last season, alongside a 1-1 draw at Celtic Park, and McInnes stated that these outcomes signify his team is “not daunted” by the arrival of the league champions. McInnes commented, “We take confidence from the fact that we have had some good results against them last season.” He elaborated, “We have got to try and be the best version of us to get results against Celtic as we did last season. We had to do so much right in the games, we are not daunted by them, we are in the same league.” He also recognized the formidable nature of the opposition, adding, “It’s going to be a huge challenge, they present the biggest challenge for all managers in the league and they have done for a period.” According to McInnes, creating an “uncomfortable” situation for Celtic will be crucial for Kilmarnock to achieve a favourable outcome. He further stated, “On the pitch, my players will have to make so many good decisions in and out of possession, we have to be so organised and confident in ourselves that we can get a result.” McInnes stressed, “It’s important that Celtic see that, they’ve got to feel that on Sunday and hopefully we can be good enough to make things at the very least uncomfortable. If we can strike the first blow and get that first goal and get the confidence from that.” He concluded by saying, “We have to try to look for those little nuances and little things in the game that can maybe help my team find an advantage and it’s important we just try and maybe reference more of last season.”