MX23RW : Thursday, May 23 21:00:01| >> :120:49508:49508:

Patryk Klimala opens up on off-season efforts to get ready for Celtic pre-season

The Polish striker has earned praise from manager Neil Lennon for staying in Scotland during quarantine and working on his English and fitness.

Celtic striker Patryk Klimala feels studying on and off the park has helped him hit the ground running in pre-season.

The Polish striker has earned praise from manager Neil Lennon for staying in Scotland during quarantine and working on his English and fitness.

Klimala joined Celtic in January from Jagiellonia and only managed one start and three substitute appearances before lockdown.

The 21-year-old has used the time well and Lennon believes his demeanour and confidence have transformed ahead of the new season.

"I worked really hard during the break from football," said Klimala, who netted twice in Celtic's 3-1 friendly win over Hibernian on Monday.

"I had two sessions a day plus then I also did an English lesson for two hours.

"I was tired when we started back the pre-season, but now I feel in good shape.

"My focus was not on going back (to Poland) during the quarantine. I wanted to remain here and do hard work because I didn't have a pre-season during the winter break.

"I didn't feel that good, but everything has now come back to normal for me. It was important for me to have a routine."

Klimala has also been learning from Celtic's main striker, Odsonne Edouard.

"I have learned a lot of things from Odsonne during this pre-season," he said. "I think it was really good for me and now I can try to use some of these things on the pitch.

"Sometimes we talk about it, but really I just watch how he plays on the pitch.

"Odsonne plays the game differently from me, but there are many things that I like that he does and I can learn from him."

Klimala played alongside Leigh Griffiths for the final half hour on Monday and benefited from two assists from his fellow striker, the first one tapping home the Scotland forward's goal-bound shot from close range.

"The first goal that I scored was really a Leigh Griffiths goal," he said. "I only touched the ball before it crossed the line, but the second one that I scored was mine.

"I worked hard on the pitch to get this goal and I was happy with it.

"I enjoyed playing alongside Leigh. I am working hard and I am feeling in good shape. The final decision of who plays in the games will be down to the manager, that's it."

ID:408270: cacheID:408270:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3625:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Celtic manager Neil Lennon pictured on July 21, 2020
Read Next:
Neil Lennon talks up Leigh Griffiths shape after return
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
Championship Group
CCeltic550095306593
2RangersRangers531187325585
3Hearts513154421268
4Kilmarnock51224644256
5St Mirren51134652-647
6Dundee50144968-1942
Relegation Group
1Aberdeen54104852-448
2Hibernian52125259-746
3Motherwell52035659-343
4St Johnstone51132954-2535
5Ross County51223867-2935
RLivingston52122970-4125
 
First Phase
CCeltic33246380265478
2RangersRangers33243672234975
3Hearts33195946341262
4Kilmarnock33131284334951
5St Mirren33127143843-543
6Dundee331011124454-1041
7Hibernian33912124451-739
8Motherwell33813124651-537
9Aberdeen33811143549-1435
10St Johnstone33710162446-2231
11Ross County3379173256-2430
RLivingston3339212259-3718


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!