Top Line Summary

  • Getting used to Celtic's system of play
  • Personal injury issues and getting right back up to speed
  • The attacking element of the game now functioning
  • Christian Nerlinger former Rangers player is now a Celtic fan!
  • Using Bayern Munich and Ajax experiences to cope with the pressure of playing against Rangers

Everything that Nicolas Kuhn said to the media after Celtic's 3-0 Scottish Premiership win over Livingston

What did you make of the teams' overall performance?

I thought we played a great game. Defensively we were strong because Livingston had no chances. In the second half, we were happy to get the first goal. Then we found more space and made it 3-0.

John Kennedy said the attacking side of the team is starting to function and click. As a winger do you feel that and do you agree with the assessment?

The attacking side of our game has been good recently. For me personally, it took some time for me to get used to the new system. But now it feels like it’s getting better and better with every game.

How has it been for you physically as you had personal issues with your wisdom teeth and you lost weight?

In December, I took out my wisdom teeth. I couldn’t eat for 12 days. With it being the winter break in Austria, I came here without a pre-season. Ross County was my first game. I’m happy that I am back to my normal weight and I have my strength back.

Are you playing at your maximum 100 per cent now?

I’m maybe not 100 per cent just yet, but I’m definitely getting better and better.

A lot of people feel nerves and tension at this stage of the season. Are you excited about what lies ahead in the next few weeks?

We have to be excited. We want to collect the points and we know we need to play well. We’re in a good place now and you can see the attack has been good in the last few games. The defence is also strong, so we feel happy about what is coming.

You are playing with a lot of confidence. How important is it to you that you get a chance to play against Rangers at Ibrox?

Of course, it’s massive. I want to play every game. We have a really good team and we are all challenging each other. We are all competing and putting pressure on each other for places in the team.

How much are you looking forward to the Rangers game?

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I am looking forward to the game against Rangers a lot. I have heard a lot about it already.

What have you heard about it?

My manager/agent [Christian Nerlinger], played for Rangers. Before I came here, he told me a lot about the match and how important it is to the people. I am looking forward to it.

Christian is your agent. Have there been a few laughs and jokes about the upcoming game considering his past?

Not yet! There haven’t been any jokes yet, He told me a lot about the game but I think he’s a Celtic fan now!

Did Christian urge you to sign for Celtic when the move came about?

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He played a big part in my signing for Celtic. He told me a lot about the club and how great it is. Of course, there is pressure but I have played at Bayern and Ajax which are clubs that want to win the league and every trophy there is. 

What are the fiercest derby rivalries you have played in during your career?

Of course, there is pressure. But I played at Bayern and they also want to win every game there. I like derbies. At Bayern, we had the derby with 1860 Munich. That was pretty big. I’ve had some good derbies already.

How important is it for you to play in front of a support like that every week?

It is unbelievable. The Livingston match felt like a home game. The fans were great.

Is it important that with no fans at Ibrox next week you play the game and not the occasion?

We need to focus on ourselves and we will prepare well for it and we will see what happens.