Hart leading by example; Bernabei’s new role; 3 things we learned as Celtic kick-off pre-season

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic have started pre-season with an emphatic 7-0 win over Austrian side SC Wiener Viktoria.

Going up against the third division side this evening, it was clear to see there was a difference in the level of quality between the two teams.

However, there was plenty for Ange Postecoglou, his staff and players to take from the game at the beginning of pre-season.

The first half was an extremely busy opening 45 minutes going forward for the Hoops, scoring six goals within that period.

A double for Johnny Kenny and strikes from Reo Hatate, James Forrest, Christopher Jullien and Mikey Johnston made up the scoring for the Bhoys.

Talented youngster Rocco Vata rounded off the game with around 13 minutes left to play, making it seven.

Whilst tonight’s opponents won’t provide the same challenge as the teams Celtic will be playing later this campaign, there were still some positives to take away.

Here are three things we learned

Joe Hart continuing to lead by example

Joe Hart will certainly have busier games between the sticks this season.

However, tonight was another example of the Englishman leading back example under Ange Postecoglou.

Taking the captain’s armband, the shot-stopper led the side through the game and helped youngster Bosun Lawal learn his role within the back four.

At times, it seemed like Hart was almost part of the backroom staff and helping the manager get his ideas across to the players on the pitch.

Last season, the experienced goalkeeper showed how valuable he can be, and he is looking to continue that trend going into the 2022/23 campaign.

Bernabei learning his new role in the side

Just over a week since signing, Alexandro Bernabei was dropped straight into the side for the opening game in Austria.

Of course, fitness shouldn’t be an issue for the left-back, coming off a league season in Argentina.

However, the 21-year-old has a lot of learning to do in the inverted full-back role over the next few weeks.

As the game went on in his 45-minute cameo, Bernabei was showing positive signs of his capabilities to play in that role.

Celtic fans could also clearly hear him being led through the game by Ange Postecoglou, who knows exactly what he wants from his new addition.

It was only Bernabei’s first outing, against low-level opposition. But, there were some very positive signs.

Celtic’s impressive intensity despite lack of quality in opposition

With Celtic going a few goals up very early on, it could have been easy for Ange Postecoglou’s squad to drop their levels.

However, the Bhoys kept their levels going throughout the 90 minutes. And despite several changes, it didn’t really affect the flow of our intensity.

The number of goals in the second half may have dropped off, but the player’s work rates certainly didn’t

A phrase that springs to mind is ‘We never stop’.

And that message has been carried over from last season, as Celtic look to build for more success ahead of a new campaign.

Overall, it was a positive first outing. But I am sure Postecoglou will be looking to the next few games as more of a learning curve for his squad, with tougher opposition on the horizon.

In other news, Carter-Vickers outlines the ‘presence’ that comes with working under Ange Postecoglou at Celtic