Celtic midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain said there is an expectation for the club to win as the team prepares for its season opener.
The statement underscores the pressure on the Glasgow-based club to maintain dominance in the Scottish Premiership. As the team enters the new campaign, the mindset of veteran players will be critical in managing these external demands.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, 32 [1], is preparing for the opening match against Dundee on Monday night at Celtic Park. He said the excitement of returning to the club is high and that the current squad possesses the necessary quality to meet the winning expectations placed upon them.
While the midfielder expressed a positive outlook regarding his return to the club this summer, reports on the nature of his pre-season arrival vary. One report described the decision to return to the club as easy, while another indicated that his return had been delayed for undisclosed reasons.
Beyond the immediate match against Dundee, there has been discussion regarding the player's future with the team. Reports indicate a potential contract extension of one year [2]. This extension would secure the midfielder's presence in the squad as Celtic attempts to navigate the challenges of the upcoming season.
The midfielder's focus remains on the immediate task of securing a victory in the opening fixture. He said the environment at Celtic Park provides a unique energy that drives the players to perform at their peak level.
“There is an expectation for Celtic to win”
The emphasis on 'expectations' highlights the psychological burden and prestige associated with playing for Celtic. By publicly acknowledging the pressure to win, Oxlade-Chamberlain is framing the team's internal culture as one that accepts and is motivated by high standards, which is essential for maintaining a championship-winning trajectory in the Scottish Premiership.
