Celtic striker Giorgos Giakoumakis insists he meant no offence with the title prediction which angered Ryan Jack.
The Rangers midfielder branded Giakoumakis' pre-derby comments that Celtic would win the title and were better than their rivals in every department as "disrespectful".
Ange Postecoglou's side backed up the forward's claim on Sunday as they emerged from Ibrox with victory and a six point Premiership lead.
And now Giakoumakis has told Jack he was well within his rights to declare Celtic the best team in the country.
Giakoumakis said: “I didn’t make these comments to make anyone angry or feel disrespected by me. I said what I was believing for my team.
"I believe this time we played better as a team, that's the only thing I said but I can say also now that we played very good football and I believe in my team.
"Every single footballer can say his team is the best. I don't think this is bad.
"From now on, we have to win the games and do our job."
