Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has explained what he told his players before kick-off against FC Midtjylland, and explained the selection of Liel Abada.
Abada was a substitute against Preston North End on Saturday. While he’s not had long to gel, Celtic are lacking options in the wings. The Israeli international has enjoyed a pre-season, after a fantastic 20-21 campaign, in which he scored 13 goals and assisted 4 more [Transfermarkt].
Ange Postecoglou told BBC Radio Scotland:
“We’ve had a couple of injuries in the wide areas, and Liel’s come in, he’s only had two or three sessions. The other advantage he had, he didn’t have to do quarantine, obviously, and he had a pre-season in Israel.
“He’s looked in good condition.
“It’s a massive opportunity for him to start his Celtic career. Our expectations are he’ll go out there and enjoy himself. And get a taste of what it is to be a Celtic player.”
Celtic boss Postecoglou on what he told the dressing room
So far, so fair enough. Asked whether Postecoglou had a special message in the dressing room, the Celtic boss said [BBC Radio Scotland]:
“Just play the football we want to play. Be positive, and try to set a tone for our season. There’s no point sort of waiting or hesitating to do things. The opportunity to do something is there tonight, let’s take it.
“It doesn’t really matter how ready we feel, or we think we are, the reality of it is, it’s tonight.”
After a cagey start, marred by head injuries sustained by players from both clubs, this became a very open tie. Abada and Christie both showed hunger in getting the ball, with Odsonne Edouard creating a height mismatch up front.
Eddy had a chance on 24 minutes, after some slick work from Ismaila Soro and Callum McGregor. Unfortunately, he hit it high of the goal. But it was a warning. Abada linked up well with David Turnbull in particular, with some excellent give-and-go moves between the duo.
Christie was excellent, and unlucky not to score from two consecutive crosses from Liel Abada.
And then, he only went and scored on his debut. Abada was there to collect the rebound after a Christie shot stung the palms of the keeper. But just before half-time, his international team-mate put Celtic’s lead in jeopardy by picking up a second yellow for poking the face of Anders Deyer.
That meant the goalscorer Abada had to be swapped for Dane Murray. Half-time, at 1-0, but still a huge challenge awaits Celtic and Postecoglou.
READ MORE: Chris Sutton shares class pre-match footage
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