Chaiwa On Embracing 'War-Like' Battles

Miguel Chaiwa is ready to get back on the road again with the team, as we face Dundee at Dens Park following last weekend’s away victory over Celtic. 

Chaiwa stood out in the middle of the pitch at Celtic Park, putting in a commanding shift that proved pivotal as David Gray’s men secured a late 2-1 win to take all three points back to Leith. 

Reflecting on the ‘war-like’ battle, Chaiwa told the press he thoroughly enjoyed the intense battle in the east end of Glasgow.

“For me, these games are more like a war, and looking at everything around me, I had to do my job. 

“I knew for sure Celtic are a good team, from playing with them last time (for Young Boys) in the Champions League, so I had to do my best and help the team. 

“I would say there are a lot of enjoyable games for me, but most definitely (against) Celtic too.

“I was really, really happy,” he added, reflecting on his own performance. “The team staff, they encouraged me, (saying) be yourself, that the most important thing was to enjoy it, feel free, do what you're capable of doing, and everything will be OK.

“Even after playing that game, you go home and sit down and reflect about it. It also gives you the morale booster that you need, like, OK, I need to continue working extra hard.”

Saturday’s trip to Dens Park to face Steven Pressley’s side could become another labouring clash in the William Hill Premiership. 

The physicality of the Scottish league is something Chaiwa admits to being shocked by upon his arrival in Leith, and he states he has worked on himself to adapt to the Scottish game. 

“What surprised me is the aggressiveness. Most of the time it's always that (that surprises me), the physicality.

“I did have to speak with one of the physios, mostly to adjust my physique, because looking at it, I was a little bit thin. 

“So I had to speak with one of the physical coaches, and I had to build on that.”