EXCLUSIVE: ACID TEST IN DORTMUND: DAVIE HAY’S VERDICT
DAVIE HAY has expressed his desire to be part of the squad that Brendan Rodgers is putting together for the Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night.
The legendary player has a strong desire to join the team that will compete in Europe's top tournament at Westfalenstadion, as his former club prepares for their second match of the season in this prestigious event.
Hay was in the Parkhead stand watching Rodgers’ team dominate Slovan Bratislava 5-1 on the first matchday, but he hopes to be right in the middle of the action next week.
In this special CQN EXCLUSIVE series, the club legend, now at the age of 76, opens up in a conversation with Alex Gordon, who collaborated with the former player and manager on the hit autobiography, ‘The Quiet Assassin.’
THE SILENT KILLER…Davie Hay in his playing days with Celtic.
Hay expressed, “I wish I could turn back the clock by fifty years to take part in this event! Who wouldn’t want to be a part of such an incredible moment with 81,000 fans cheering for your rivals?”
"These are the matches that reveal a player's true character. During my time on the field, we had tough competitors like Billy McNeill, Tommy Gemmell, Bobby Murdoch, Jimmy Johnstone, and Wee Bertie Auld who were always eager to get started."
“These are the kinds of challenges that energized these players and many others when they pulled on that iconic green and white jersey.”
Two European Cup matches that I will always remember are the semi-finals against Leeds United in 1970.
Big Jock Stein was an exceptional motivator for his team. When he talked, everyone paid attention.
He understood which players would respond positively to motivation and which ones might be pushed to perform better through criticism.
"Our iconic manager knew exactly how to motivate his players to bring out their best performances. Stevie Chalmers shared a little anecdote when he was sidelined from the team, with Joe McBride taking the lead in the forward position instead."
As recounted by the player who netted the most significant goal in the club's history—the decisive one in Lisbon on May 25, 1967, when Celtic became the first British team to triumph in Europe—Big Jock would pull him aside and say, "You deserve a place in this team."
“‘Take a look at Joe. He doesn’t measure up to your abilities. Show me that you’re the right person for this role, and I’ll choose you.’”
"Our clever old boss was likely telling Joe something along the same lines when he was off the team and Stevie took the No.9 spot!"
EUROPEAN STARS…Davie Hay and his Celtic teammates get ready to take on Leeds United at Elland Road.
It was entirely a battle of the mind, and you can't deny that it was effective.
"When we faced Leeds United, our coach didn’t need to put in much effort to get us motivated for the games."
The English press had already written us off as underdogs, implying that we shouldn't even bother showing up.
It seems that Leeds United were not only seen as the top team in Europe but also in the whole world, making it almost expected for them to dominate us on their path to winning the European Cup.
In the initial match at Elland Road, we had a significant point to demonstrate, and we momentarily quieted our doubters with a 1-0 victory. My good friend George Connelly scored the decisive goal early on.
Nonetheless, the media from the other side insisted that it was just a minor setback and that Leeds would make things right during the rematch in Glasgow, which took place at Hampden to accommodate an audience of over 100,000.
LORD OF THE WING… the iconic Jimmy Johnstone in action with the ball.
I remember Jock gathering the team for a motivational talk—though I don't think it was really necessary—just before the game. He singled out Wee Jinky and confidently stated, "That's the guy who will secure our victory today."
"Just pass the ball to the little guy, and he’ll handle everything else. You'll be amazed at how he dismantles Leeds."
By the time Wee Jinky stepped onto the field that night, he must have felt incredibly proud and confident. It's hard to believe, but despite being voted the Greatest Celtic Player of All Time by the fans, he struggled with self-esteem regarding his skills.
There were times when he required some support to reach the level we all believed he was capable of. Big Jock was rewarded with a watch.
"My little buddy went out and gave left-back Terry Cooper, England's No. 3 back then, a hard time. Even when his fellow international teammate Norman Hunter tried to step in and assist, he found himself in trouble as well."
Jinky was incredible as we secured a 2-1 victory, earning our spot in the Cup Final in Milan against Feyenoord. Sadly, we weren't able to carry over our success from the semifinals and ended up losing in extra time. But that’s a tale for another time.
It's evident how crucial Europe is for Celtic. In this stage, teams can build their reputations or see them disappear.
Brendan's team will face significant pressure in Dortmund, and it will be fascinating to observe how they respond.
"The team has a solid overall structure, and much will hinge on which players are accessible to the coach. Cameron Carter-Vickers is vital to the defense, so we need to keep our fingers crossed that he receives approval to play."
CAPTAIN'S ROLE... Callum McGregor will lead Celtic on the field in Dortmund.
Brendan paired Liam Scales and Auston Trusty in defense during last night's impressive 6-0 win against St Johnstone. It's uncommon to have two left-footed players playing together in central defense.
They weren't feeling any significant pressure in Perth, but things will be quite different in Dortmund, that's for sure.
Much will hinge on how the midfield plays, and I have every confidence that Callum McGregor will set the standard in this aspect.
Kyogo Furuhashi performed brilliantly against the Saints and scored his goals impressively, but we also have to consider Adam Idah's contributions.
It's clear that Brendan will choose the player he believes will be the most effective against the Borussia defense and the way they are arranged.
"Wishing you all the best, Celtic! I really wish I could be there with you!"
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KYOGO SHINES IN A SERIES OF SIX
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