Neil McCann’s anger after Celtic’s dramatic late winner against Kilmarnock was impossible to miss, even as Julian Araujo reflected on the victory with a smile.
The former Rangers player, now in charge at Rugby Park, had watched his side surge into a two goal lead against the title contenders. Joe Hugill rose to head beyond Kasper Schmeichel after Tyreece John-Jules had opened the scoring, leaving Celtic with a daunting task after the interval.
However, the visitors responded in style. Sebastian Tounekti pulled one back, Benjamin Nygren added another, and Bournemouth loanee Araujo struck in the 97th minute to snatch all three points for the Glasgow side.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the final whistle, Araujo expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute. “I am grateful to get minutes and to keep playing,” he said. “It has been a long journey and a long start to my season.”
As he spoke, raised voices from the home dressing room could be heard in the background. Araujo paused briefly but continued. “I am grateful for moments like this,” he added, before glancing over his shoulder as the shouting persisted. “I am thankful to my teammates for welcoming me with open arms. Because of them, we are where we are now.”
The right back could not hide a slight smirk before the noise eventually died down and the interview moved on.
After the match, McCann admitted his frustration but directed much of it toward the officials. He questioned the seven minutes of added time, suggesting such decisions are often arbitrary, especially after Araujo’s winner arrived with the final kick.
“I’m angry, of course,” McCann said. “I’m so disappointed because I believe we deserved something from the game.
“I’m not sure where they got seven minutes from. It feels like they just come up with it sometimes. But we still have to deal with that situation better, and that’s what frustrates me most.
“I would have been disappointed with a draw because I thought we merited more. But the real anger comes from not seeing it out and taking at least a point.”