Ange Postecoglou has explained he’s only added players to the UEFA Celtic squad list that have the physical and mental readiness for the challenges ahead.
Some notable names were absent from the squad officially announced by UEFA this morning, which was registered on Thursday night.
Kristoffer Ajer and Olivier Ntcham were both missing despite being included in the training camp squad that travelled to Wales.
Ntcham in particular was a surprising omission given he was given minutes in pre-season friendly matches.
Asked about his squad list and the omission of this duo in particular, Postecoglou said on the official club YouTube channel: “I am selecting players who are available and have both the physical and mental mindset to play.
“The ones who aren’t listed are obviously not ready for what we need to encounter tomorrow night. My focus is on the guys who are on that list.
“There are so many moving parts at the moment that I am trying to be as disciplined as I can to focus on what’s in my control. Because ultimately tomorrow night is the most important thing. I am focusing on people who are going to contribute to that.”
UEFA squad list only includes Celtic players manager trusts
Postecoglou struck a more relaxed note than what you might have expected from some of the comments doing the rounds today.
Part of the usefulness of Celtic uploading these pressers in full is that we get the context of what was asked and said.
He very much comes across as a man taking things one day at a time. So these squad list decisions aren’t too surprising.
Ajer has one foot out the door and Ntcham has barely featured at the club in months. It is one thing including them in a camp and pre-season for fitness. It’s another entirely trusting them in a huge European match.
While both have experience and ability, this looks like the right call.
In other news, Ange Postecoglou rules out wildcard additions to Celtic UEFA squad list.
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