In a shocking revelation, Celtic’s Benjamin Siegrist disclosed the lengths new signings have to go to in order to keep their identity hidden. In an interview from his home country of Switzerland, the goalkeeper unveiled the secret operation that sees players go undercover and even enter hiding after a defeat.
Siegrist, who will be leaving Celtic at the end of the season, expressed his love for the city of Glasgow and the intense footballing rivalry that consumes the fans. He described Scotland as a “real football country” where the passion for the game is unrivaled, with fans living for that weekend moment in the stadium.
The 32-year-old spoke about the intense rivalry in Scotland, which he believes is stronger than anywhere else, primarily due to the religious background. New players are even booked into hotels using fake names to protect their identities, while existing players are advised to stay off the streets after a loss to avoid potential harassment.
Despite admitting that some domestic football in Scotland may not be up to par, Siegrist was disappointed by Scotland’s recent loss to Germany. He noted that the top league in Scotland still sees teams resorting to a “kick and rush” style of play, adapting tactics to suit the level of players and the condition of the pitches.
