Ange explains Celtic team selection vs Aberdeen, squad health and rotation

By John McGinley

November 28, 2021

Ange Postecoglou has been discussing his Celtic team selection vs Aberdeen today, as well as squad health and rotation in a busy period.

The manager made two changes to his team to face the Dons, with Liel Abada and James McCarthy coming in for James Forrest and Nir Bitton.

Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland pre-match [14:07], Postecoglou said: “Nir Bitton didn’t come up after his knock on Thursday. James Forrest, he’s just come back and with so many games we’re just wary about how much we put on him in terms of load.

“It was an enormous effort from the players no doubt. It’s another thing we’ve got to factor into today. We’ve got to put all our energies into what’s a very important game.

“It’s challenging. It’s challenging for everyone but that’s the football club you represent. I’d rather we were in every tournament and competing on all fronts than have a week and watch other people play. It’s part of our responsibility.

“We’ve got good processes in place. I’m confident with the staff we’ve got that the players are getting the right recovery. It’s important they have the right mindset and I’m making sure they have that.”

It’s been a tough, physical match for the Bhoys so far. Despite getting their noses in front with a well-worked Jota goal, Aberdeen have managed to build themselves into the game well.

Hopefully Celtic fatigue is not an issue in the second half. Today’s bench isn’t the strongest of the season so far. We’ll likely need the likes of Jota and Kyogo on the pitch for the entire ninety today, in contrast to the Germany trip.

We need the three points this afternoon regardless of the personnel on the pitch.

In other news, Jota’s most telling comments yet on Celtic move.