Source: Team_Talk
Samaras fires petty barb at Rangers
Rangers surrendered a seven-point lead last season to allow their Old Firm rivals to come from behind to take their third Scottish Premier League title.
This term, Celtic have relinquished an eight-point advantage to
leave Rangers within one win of wrenching the title back from Parkhead.
The Light Blues are two points clear at the top of the SPL and victory in their final game of the campaign against Dundee United at Tannadice - regardless of how Celtic get on against Hearts at Parkhead - would make Walter Smith's side champions.
However, Celtic striker Samaras does not buy into the
traditional belief the best team always win the league.
"Like last year, they were seven points clear and we won the title and I said that we were the better team," he said. "Now it's the opposite.
"But if they are going to win it, I don't think they deserve it.
"I think we are a better team than them.
"If they are going to win it then fair play - but it's our mistakes (that let them) and I think we are a better team than Rangers."
The Greece international's provocative remarks are sure to enrage Rangers fans, notwithstanding their obvious motivational potential, which will be pounced upon by the Ibrox management.
However, former Manchester City player Samaras was in no mood to give the Govan club even the satisfaction of believing he will be looking for the Tannadice result during Celtic's match against Hearts.
"I really don't care what they do," he said.
"I am only thinking about our game, trying to play good football and get the three points.
"We will see in the end if we are going to win the title or not.
"Last year was exactly the same in our last game against Dundee United, which we won.
"You heard the supporters yelling and screaming about the Rangers result but you focus on how you keep the ball and pass the ball.
"It might give you a small lift but if we lose or draw and Rangers do the same thing then it's no good."
Samaras has notched 17 times this season but he will sacrifice personal glory to see the title end up at Parkhead for the fourth successive season.
"If I score a hat-trick to win the game and we lose the title then I won't be happy," he said.
"If Artur Boruc comes up and scores a goal (to win the title), it will be brilliant.
"It's a team sport. We are a group and everyone wants what is good for the club and what is good for the club is to win the title, not score a goal.
"But I'm looking forward to it, of course.
"I'm a football player, I'm ready for this and I am loving these big games."
While Samaras insists teamwork is the key to success at Parkhead, failure to win the title will see the spotlight fall on one man - manager Gordon Strachan.
Speculation surrounding his future will undoubtedly intensify seconds after the final whistle on Sunday, regardless of the outcome of the championship race.
Strachan remained tight-lipped about his future, saying, "We are only talking about the game on Sunday.
"We will analyse the season once we have finished. We look after the game at the moment, we have three days to look forward to it and it's going to be great fun."
Samaras gave his boss a vote of confidence, saying, "Up until this point, the manager has been successful and I think everybody at this club wants to see him here next year as well."
Celtic v Hearts 1st Goalscorer: Samaras, G. 4/1
