As he prepares for his first home match in charge of Celtic Ronny Deila has spoken out about the commitment involved in top level management.
Less than two months into the job of managing Celtic the Norwegian has discovered just how demanding the job is as he attempts to satisfy his own ambitions while dealing with the demands of supporters and the constraints of the boardroom.
The next fortnight will be no less demanding as Deila attempts to take Celtic into the group stage of the Champions League, strengthen his squad and begin the defence of the SPFL title.
“This is not a job, it’s a lifestyle,” he admitted yesterday as he reflected on his change of circumstances. “It’s 24 hours a day, thinking all the time. You can say you’re going home but you’re always doing the job, thinking about it in your mind.
“There are so many decisions to make all the time that it has to be that way.”
Deila added: “It’s been a tough few weeks but at the same time I’ve felt like I’m living. I’m learning too. Before I was working automatically but now I have to push myself to new limits. That’s why I am here and I know I can cope with it.
“Everywhere I go, it’s new. Every person I meet, they’re new. I need to get a routine and then find holes to relax in. I don’t want to find I’m just spinning around in the washing machine.
“You have to come out of it sometimes to reflect. You need time by yourself to see the next step and you have to always be a step ahead. It’s been hard in the beginning but over time it will become easier.”
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