Ronny Deila hits back at Standard exit 'lies' as he whips out Celtic credentials to prove Club Brugge 'ambition'

Former Celtic boss Ronny Deila insists he didn't lie to Standard Liege over his eventual exit to rivals Club Brugge.

The ex-Hoops gaffer was heavily criticised for ditching the Belgian side for a team in the same division after joining Standard in June last year. Deila was quizzed during a press conference about the links to Brugge, but claims his words of having received 'no contact' between the two clubs was, at the time, factual. Nevertheless the Norwegian found himself the target of angry Liege fans following the departure.

Brugge followed up their title winning campaign in 2021/22 with a poor fourth placed finish last season and Deila, who led his first training session on the west coast of Belgium, couldn't escape more questioning over the manner of his decision. But the 47-year-old believes his Celtic credentials and previous success can go a long way in proving his ambition to win trophies.

When asked if Brugge was a step up, he said: "Of course it is. Club Brugge has won 4 of the last 6 titles. The club has done a fantastic job in the Champions League and will also play in Europe next season.

"My move to Club is all about ambition. I've already won the title in three countries, now I want to add a fourth. Everything here offers the opportunity to succeed."

When quizzed on the nature of his Standard exit and the backlash he added: “I understand them. We have had a good year. I have no regrets; this is a decision of my heart. It was time for the next step.

"I can look at myself in the mirror. And I never lied. During that press conference I said that there was no contact at club level and that I had no agreement with club. That was all right. The people of the club knew perfectly well what was going on. But I