'You can never relax at Celtic' - Carl Starfelt Q+A

How do you, Cameron [Carter-Vickers] and Callum [McGregor] work as a unit?

McGregor is a great player and our captain. He is a really big player for us but it's more about the team. We have lost players throughout the season with injuries and we seem to manage anyway. He is obviously a big player for us and also a leader on the pitch.

What has it been like watching Josip Juranovic do so well at the World Cup?

It has been really good. It was great to see all the Celtic players end up in the knockout stages and see Croatia get third place which is obviously a huge thing. I am really happy for him and I watched lots of games that included Celtic players and they all did really well. 

Were you surprised at how well he did?

No. He is a really good player and we all knew he could play really well. He has been a really good player for us and the Croatian national team.

His good performances have led to him being linked away from the club. Do you worry he could leave?

I have no idea. That would be me speculating and I do not want to do that. I am focused on what is in front of us and that is all I am thinking about.

Have you managed to get a look at the two new signings in training?

Yes. They are really good guys and positive characters. I think they come in with good energy and will contribute to the team. They look really good players from what I have seen so far. So it is all positive. 

READ MORE: Celtic, Johan Cruyff and Callum McGregor’s Men In Black moment

Do you think Celtic can push onto a new level going forward?

That is our goal. We always want to get better and not stay in the same place. We did good in the league in the first part of the season but our goal is always to evolve as a team. I hope we can keep doing that.

Does the fact you are out of Europe mean your domestic performances will get even better?

I am not sure. I did not feel we lost focus in the league when we were playing in Europe. I feel like we have a big squad and could handle it fine. Unfortunately, we are out of Europe but have a lot to look forward anyway. I think we are in a good place.

How challenging a period was it for you when you were injured?

It was tough. Especially the second injury I got when I was not long back from the first one. That was a tough period for me. It is all over now and I am just happy to be back on the pitch. When you get these long injuries, you are just happy to be back and take the positives.

Does it make you want to play more, given you missed earlier parts of the season?

Of course, when you are back you are just happy to be there, contribute and play football again. Sometimes you can lose that a bit and take things for granted but, once you come back, you appreciate every detail and try to enjoy everything.

What do you make of this Livingston team?

We know they are a tough opponent. It is never an easy game against them. They are a physical team.

Does the manager say anything to you when he brings in a player in your position?

He doesn't have to say anything. I think everyone knows at a club like Celtic that it is going to be like this. It is going to be tough competition for spots and as far as I can see every player is embracing that. You can never relax and it pushes everyone to be a little bit better. It is nothing he has to say or speak about. It is just the way things are and I think everyone has embraced that.

David Martindale was saying earlier today that Callum McGregor is good enough to play at one of the top four clubs in England. Do you agree with that?

I can say he is a really good player. I do not want to comment on any league that I have not played in. It is hard to say but he is one of the better players I have played with during my career. I am sure he could do that.

Did you watch the World Cup final?

I did. It was a crazy game and really entertaining. It was a good watch for sure.

Who do you think is the best player of all time?

After the final, I have to say Messi.

How do you think Celtic cope against physical teams?

I think we have been coping really well. We have some strong boys and, by playing our football, we usually limit the opposition's chance of being able to make games physical. This is a good thing against these teams. 

Were you surprised at Aberdeen's tactics?

I don't really look into it too much. It is not the first time we have met a team that is playing defensively so it is all about how we react to that. I think we kept our composure and got the three points which is all that matters.