Just over three months ago, Celtic FC Women created history at Paradise by lifting the SWPL title for the first time in the club’s history. Tomorrow (Saturday), the Ghirls will create yet more history as they walk out for the first ever SWPL Flag Day at Celtic Park as Elena Sadiku’s side kick off the 2024/25 campaign. Opening up the season against Dundee United, the Hoops will be aiming to start the new campaign off in style as they begin the defence of their title. This weekend’s game also comes quickly off the back of the Celts’ final pre-season preparations, which saw the squad head off to Sweden. Staying in the Swedish capital of Stockholm, the Ghirls faced off against both Djurgarden and Hammarby, who provided two tough tests ahead of the season opener. Speaking to the press ahead of watching her side take on Dundee United on Saturday, Elena Sadiku reflected positively on the trip to her homeland. The Celtic Head Coach believes that the preparations will set her squad up nicely, not only for domestic action, but also the UEFA Women’s Champions League. She said: “I would say we learned different things from Sweden. The group and the strength of the group last season, we were all close to each other. “That is something that we need to keep building on, and we want to make sure we have the same cohesive group we had last season, if not stronger. “I think that was a great thing to be involved in and be part of. But for me I think the biggest thing that I take with me is obviously, what we do domestically is one thing, but we also need to know that there are other teams out in Europe that are strong. ‘So now can we come back to Scotland, and make sure that every training session is the best training that we can do, so that we progress as a team.’ “That was something that I wanted the girls to see, and experience is that we are the best in Scotland but there are other teams in Europe that are doing really well. “I think the best thing I could give the girls is that experience and understanding that just because we are champions, it doesn’t mean we are the best in Europe. “That is something that I feel like we just needed reminded sometimes when we go to training, we don’t only have domestically to think that we also want to challenge out in Europe.” Returning to Glasgow earlier this week, the Hoops are now all set to take on the club from the City of Discovery, eyeing up three points to start the season. Heading into the game, the Swedish coach insists that her squad are strictly focused on their game as they gear up for an exciting afternoon of action at Celtic Park. “I have staff members that have their roles, and their responsibilities are to focus on the opposition and the analysis. “I always focus more on ourselves, so that the girls know that we always have things that we need to be aware of and things that we need to exploit. ‘But the main focus will always be on us. Always be us.’ “And that is something that we have been talking about today (Friday) as well is that Celtic, and the way we play, is about dominating. “That is something that we are going to go through every single game ahead of us.” More on the game Kelly Clark: I can’t wait for Celtic Park Flag Day –
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