Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo believes the Scottish champions can improve despite their perfect start to the season.
The Bhoys have won all four of their competitive matches. They have scored 13 goals and conceded only once.
Martin O’Neill has quickly brought stability to Celtic after the difficulties of last season. The manager now has his side in a strong position to reach the Champions League group stage.
Celtic also recorded a 3-0 win over LASK in the first leg of their Champions League play-off. The second leg takes place in Austria on Tuesday.
Celtic tipped to get even better
Sinisalo believes Celtic can produce better performances despite their impressive results.
Speaking to the BBC after the LASK victory, the goalkeeper admitted that Celtic had not played at their best.
“The big moments went for us and there’s a lot that we can do better,” Sinisalo said.
The Finn was pleased with the result but warned that Celtic still have plenty of room to improve.
“Ultimately, we’ve come away with a 3-0 win so we’ve got to be happy, but I think there’s a lot more to come from the group,” he added.
Sinisalo also wants Celtic to become more reliable defensively.
“I don’t need to make that many saves as I’ve done on Tuesday, so that’s got to be the message.”
His comments highlight the positive mentality within the squad. Celtic have started strongly, but the players know they must raise their level as the Celtic Champions League campaign progresses.
Sinisalo warns that tie isn’t over
Celtic have a three-goal advantage, but Sinisalo does not believe the tie is finished.
The goalkeeper expects LASK to create problems in Austria. He also admitted that Celtic were only “okay” during parts of the first leg.
“I didn’t think we were brilliant,” Sinisalo said.
“We were okay at times and some of the football we played was good, but I think we can be a lot better.”
The message is clear. Celtic cannot afford to relax because of their first-leg advantage.
LASK will have home support behind them in the second leg. Celtic must therefore maintain their concentration and defensive discipline.
Sinisalo also stressed that the squad remains focused.
“It’s not over. It’s half-time and no one’s getting carried away or ahead of ourselves.”
That approach could prove important as Celtic attempt to secure their place in the Champions League.
Finnish representation in the Champions League
For Sinisalo, a Champions League appearance would represent a major personal achievement.
The 24-year-old is aware that few Finnish players get the opportunity to compete at European football’s highest club level.
“It’s something you dream about,” he said.
Sinisalo has already experienced the excitement of playing in the competition. However, he wants to experience it more often.
Hearing the Champions League anthem has given him a taste of the occasion. Now, he wants Celtic to reach the main competition and compete against Europe’s best clubs.
His comments also show the ambition inside Celtic’s squad.
The goalkeeper compared the experience to winning trophies. Once players achieve one major goal, they naturally want to achieve more.
That hunger could benefit Celtic as they continue their Celtic Champions League journey.
The first-leg victory over LASK has given O’Neill’s side a strong advantage. However, Sinisalo’s warning shows that the squad remains focused on completing the job.
If Celtic maintain their current form, they will have an excellent opportunity to reach the Champions League proper and continue their impressive start under O’Neill.
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