Ronny Deila expects Celtic board to give him time in Europe

Celtic's fortunes in Europe differ greatly from their domestic position

Celtic boss Ronny Deila says he expects to get the same time as previous managers to get it right in Europe.

Thursday night's defeat by Molde leaves them on the brink of failing to reach the Europa League's last 32.

Deila is confident his team can reach the Champions League next season, but was asked if he expected to be given the opportunity to achieve that goal.

"They've had a manager here before who struggled in Europe in the beginning but made it right," said Deila.

"They stand by their manager and that's what I expect with me as well."

Neil Lennon failed to reach the Champions League in his first two seasons in charge before qualifying in his third season, when they went on to beat Barcelona.

Pressed on whether his future depended on European progression, he added: "Of course it is," before reiterating the point about previous managers.

Asked whether he had been given assurances by the Celtic board over his role, he replied: "I feel quite comfortable in things but you never know in football.

"What we need is that things are going forward, that we have a whole club that believes what I am doing, what we are doing, so that's the most important thing."

Despite Celtic's troubles in continental competition, they lead the Scottish Premiership by six points as they chase their fifth consecutive title.

"I'm very confident we can reach the Champions League next year," added Deila.

"That confidence comes from what I've done in the past. I know what I'm building."

Celtic prop up Europa League Group A with two points and are at home to Ajax and away to Fenerbahce in their remaining two matches. Victory in those would guarantee advancement to the knockout phase of the competition.

But the defence, which has conceded nine goals in the four group games so far, will most likely have to improve if Celtic are to progress.

"We need to have more aggression inside the box," said the Norwegian. "We can fix the individual errors that are causing the problems.

"Changing the back four doesn't help. People look a bit nervous. There's a lack of leadership."