Ange Postecoglou 'frustrated' with how Celtic team are using Kyogo Furuhashi

By Milo Clay

March 9, 2023

Ange Postecoglou has admitted that he feels Celtic’s players just don’t pass to Kyogo Furuhashi often enough. 

Celtic continued their brilliant run of form with a 3-1 win over Hearts last night, but it wasn’t the type of display we’ve become accustomed to under Postecoglou. 

The Australian made four changes from the side that beat St Mirren 5-1 over the weekend, with Tony Ralston, Alexandro Bernabei, Matt O’Riley and the in-form Liel Abada stepping into the side. 

The Bhoys weren’t at their best going forward and Hearts took the lead inside the opening 10 minutes through Josh Ginnelly. 

But Postecgolou’s men got back on level terms through Daizen Maeda midway through the opening period, before Kyogo and Sead Haksabanovic sealed yet another three points with their second-half efforts. 

On the night, Celtic didn’t create as many opportunities as they usually do and Postecoglou has admitted that he was left frustrated by his side’s failure to find Kyogo throughout the game. 

Ange admits Kyogo frustration 

Speaking to Sky Sports Scotland after the 3-1 win, Postecoglou was asked about Kyogo’s incredible goalscoring record this season. 

“We still don’t use him as well as we should. Tonight was a classic example of that, I got really frustrated,” the Celtic boss said. 

“I just thought he was making some fantastic runs and after 18-months we should know the times to be able to play him in.

“The beauty of him is he doesn’t get frustrated, even though I do, and he just keeps making those runs and with the first goal, getting in behind them and creating the chance for Daizen. The second one with his finish, he was outstanding again.” 

Celtic weren’t at their best last night, but it’s the sign of a top side that they still found a way to win. It’s understandable that the Bhoys took a little bit of time to grow into the game as Postecoglou made a few changes to his side. 

As for Kyogo, the Japanese forward just can’t stop hitting the back of the net. He proved to be the difference between the sides last night as he set-up Maeda for Celtic’s first of the game, before producing an outstanding finish to give them the lead. 

The 28-year-old has now taken his tally for the season to 25 in all competitions. And it’s scary to think that Postecoglou feels his teammates should be providing him with even more opportunities. 

You can only begin to imagine the type of numbers the £5 million forward would produce if he was handed even more chances to get himself on the scoresheet. But Ange clearly believes there’s still room for improvement in that area.