Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain expects Celtic to be a 'pressure cooker' this season
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain says he thrives in high-pressure environments, and the Scottish Premiership is no exception.
The 32-year-old England international signed a new deal with Celtic earlier this summer, after helping the club win a league and Scottish Cup double last season.
He's eager to replicate that success, starting with Monday's Scottish Premiership opener against Dundee.
Celtic's "pressure cooker" environment is exactly what Oxlade-Chamberlain craves.
The former Arsenal player has signed a short-term deal with the Parkhead club and is relishing the challenge.
"I'm fortunate enough to have been in teams where there is an expectation to win but also, at the same time, the reality is there's a lot of really, really good teams that make it really hard to win," Oxlade-Chamberlain said.
He added: "I thrive in that pressure cooker. That's exactly the same mentality that's here."
Oxlade-Chamberlain was without a club for the first half of last season after leaving Besiktas and is relishing a full summer's preparation.
He's been working hard in training and is feeling confident ahead of the new season.
Celtic's young players, such as Callum McGregor and James Forrest, are also driving the team's hunger for success.
Seeing his teammates' determination is a major motivator for Oxlade-Chamberlain.
He said: "Seeing that and being next to that helps you to keep pushing and keep that motivation, even at this later stage of my career."
The former Arsenal player is looking forward to a full pre-season with Celtic, which he believes will be crucial in helping him prepare for the demands of the Scottish Premiership.
"This is probably actually my first proper pre-season in a good three years," Oxlade-Chamberlain said.
Celtic face Dundee in their opening league match on Monday, with Oxlade-Chamberlain eager to make a strong impression.
Source: Yahoo Sports