Deila: Rejecting Malmo for Celtic was a good choice

Ronny Deila might have been in the opposing dugout for the upcoming Champions League play-off, only for his loyalty to Norwegian side Stromsgodest at the time.

Five months after turning down an offer from Malmo, Deila broke his bond with the Norwegian side to take over the reigns at Celtic.

As reported by the Scotsman, Deila reflected on the decision saying, “Of course it was a tough decision not to take the Malmö job.

“They are a big club, the best team in Scandinavia and also maybe the biggest in Scandinavia.

“They have regular crowds of 20,000 at their games with fantastic fans and have a great history as well, reaching the European Cup final in 1979 and then winning a lot of titles in the 1980’s under Roy Hodgson. Now they are back at a good level again”.

“I spoke to them at the time they were looking for a new coach, but I decided to stay with Stromsgodset. I felt a lot of loyalty and commitment to them and I also knew the Champions League qualifiers were coming up with them later that year.”

However when Celtic came calling, the Norwegian couldn’t reject a move to Celtic Park looking back on the decision.

“But it was harder to stay when Celtic came along. It was a good choice I made back then when I see where I am now.”