Carl Starfelt joined Celtic from Kazan in the summer transfer window for £4.5 million and has been a mixed bag as far as performances.
The Swede put in a strong defensive shift against Ross County at the weekend alongside new centre-back partner Cameron Carter-Vickers, but has also had his fair share of tough moments against Hearts and AZ Alkmaar.
When speaking to the the Herald about his early form, the centre-back said “Of course I know. I have played football for a long time and I know you will have difficult moments. But then, every player will have difficult moments.”
You’ve just got to push through them mentally and if you keep working hard it will turn around that’s what I’m trying to do.”
“I try to work hard every day and keep my confidence up and that’s what my focus is on.”
“I feel like I have more to give. I feel like it’s getting better. I feel more secure for every game. I just need to keep working hard and hopefully I will only grow.”
It will always be difficult for players moving to new countries, and the pandemic only makes it more difficult to adapt to different cultures.
Speaking on his time in Glasgow so far, the defender said “It’s a very nice city. I didn’t know much about it when I came here, but I’m surprised at how nice the city is. There are some good restaurants and nice buildings and nice places all around.”
“I’m sure I’ll continue to enjoy it more and more when I get to know the city better.” I’ve met the Celtic fans when I have been exploring the city. They are everywhere. It’s very nice to get some cheers in the streets. They have been very good.”
“I am living here on my own. but it’s a very nice team here. Everyone speaks English which is a bit of a change for me since I came from Russia. But the team is very nice and I have friends already.”
Starfelt is expected to lineup in Celtic’s Europa League opener in Seville against Real Betis on Thursday. There’s every chance he’ll be paired with Cameron Carter-Vickers on the night.
Stephen Welsh was on the bench for Celtic at the weekend but could still feature if the manager doesn’t want to over expose Cameron so early on after not playing a lot of football.
Celtic are slowly progressing, even with some key injuries at the moment.
