Ange Postecoglou refused to use the excuse of a flat atmosphere at Celtic Park for today’s display from the players in the first half against Raith Rovers.
Postecoglou wasn’t a happy man after the 4-0 win, bemoaning the lack of work ethic before the interval against the lower league side.
Journalists enquired after the match whether the shut Green Brigade section today and the relative lack of atmosphere in the ground could have had an impact on the performance.
As quoted by The Daily Record, Postecoglou said: “It might be a factor but if you start making those kinds of allowances for the players then it means they’ll only play when the atmosphere is super.
“That’s not the case. Some of it was making seven changes and it was never going to be as fluent as we have been. We needed that game time though.
“But within that, we lacked the urgency we have had recently and I don’t want that to become part of what we do. I got frustrated because I shouldn’t have to remind anybody about these things. We’ve been building the foundation for so long and you’ve got to work hard and buy into the kind of football we want to play.
“Even within that context, I just thought we got through a comfortable 45 minutes. Our aggression, our running and our tempo improved after the break, we scored four goals and we didn’t concede any and we’re in the next round so it was still positive.”
With clips on social media being shared of Ange screaming at the players in the first half for passing the ball back, coupled with these comments, it’s fair to say a few players have been left with something to think about.
The manager will be going full strength again on Thursday night and the message is clear to the Bhoys – apply yourselves with bravery, positivity and intensity, or risk a stern word from the manager!
In other news, Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou makes class UEFA Europa Conference League statement.
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