Ronny Deila has divided loyalties ahead of Celtic v Rosenborg match
Thursday 20 July 2017 19:06, UK
Ronny Deila says he will gladly help Brendan Rodgers ahead of Celtic's Champions League qualifier against Rosenborg next week - but he is also willing to advise the Norwegian outfit.
Last summer Rodgers took over the Hoops hot seat from Deila, who returned to his homeland to become boss of Valerenga.
After the 6-0 aggregate win over Linfield, which took the Scottish champions through to the third qualifying round, the former Liverpool boss suggested he could reach out to his predecessor for some advice.
Deila would be more than happy to take Rodgers' call ahead of the first leg in Glasgow, but will also speak to Rosenborg should they also request his input.
"That's no problem for me," Deila said. "I will also take a call from Rosenborg if they call.
"It is a difficult situation for me because I want Norwegian football to succeed and at the same time I want Celtic to succeed.
"So of course if I can help with information to Celtic or Rosenborg I will do it. But I don't think that is going to be a big problem for either of them.
"I don't think I am going to be the most important part of this tie, it will be the players."
Whether or not his insight into both clubs is sought, Deila, who won two Premiership titles and a League Cup in his two seasons with Celtic, expects the Scottish treble winners to get through the tie.
"Celtic are big favourites," he said. "But at the same time Rosenborg is a team with a lot of tradition and they have everything to win in this tie.
"Also, they are in the middle of their season and they should be in the best shape so that is an opportunity for them.
"Rosenborg have done everything to gear up for this game over the months so it is an advantage for them.
"But Celtic is a better team, better player by player and also with their experience in Europe. However, it is positive for Rosenborg that they are away in the first leg.
"They will need to get a good result at Celtic Park. They have no chance if they have a bad result at Celtic Park, then the game is finished."
