Ange Postecoglou has reacted to his Celtic side’s convincing 2-0 win over Ferencvaros.
In a game Celtic had to win, the Bhoys had almost total control over last year’s Champions League qualifying foes. Peter Stöger’s side were up against it from the first whistle, with Celtic dominating possession and creating plentiful chances.
In truth, it was a minor miracle for the Hungarians that they kept it down to 2. Kyogo and Jota linked up again to excellent effect, while David Turnbull was there to make it two goals in two games.
Callum McGregor dictated the tempo, and had a decent penalty effort saved by the Ferencvaros goalkeeper.
A win in Europe, a clean sheet and over 50,000 fans home happy. But how did Postecoglou reflect upon it all?
The Celtic manager said [BT Sport]:
“Yeah, really good. Thought it was a good performance. We started well, put them under pressure and got control of the game, which meant they had to work pretty hard in the first half just to sort of stifle us.
“Then we still created some good chances, didn’t allow them too much. Second half, we had a feeling they’d tire because they were working so hard. It opened up for us.
“Brilliant first goal, and we could have had a few more after. Pleased for the players, they got their rewards. They were really disciplined, and just played our football.
“It was good to see.”
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou typically cool after excellent European exploits
By now, we don’t really expect Ange Postecoglou to get too emotional with the media. He loves making fun of their rhetoric, as proven by his reaction to the Motherwell win.
So, it was little surprise that we didn’t see him going tonto with the press after this win. With the fans, he’s passionate, a chest-thumping leader that supporters respond to.
Talking about his game though, he’s altogether calmer. And given recent history, it’s surely the demeanour that best fits the needs of this particular Celtic side at this particular moment.
Yet, you know fans are going to love it. Postecoglou’s own wife said she wouldn’t describe him as charismatic [Sun]. But he is, in a particular way. Less is more; the more reduced his emotion after a win, the more entertaining he is, in a sense.
It’s interesting to hear him explaining just how he beat Ferencvaros today. He’s right; the Hungarians looked knackered at half-time, and it only got worse for them.
While passing outside the box and waiting for opportunities in the first-half was a little frustrating, it tired the Hungarian champions out. By the time the second 45 began, Celtic were strolling it. Ferencvaros were struggling to keep up.
It’s an immensely satisfying win. Postecoglou is remaining typically cool, but he’s more than entitled to a celebration once he gets home from work today.
Read more: “Postecoglou deserved that”; Celtic hero Sutton sums up result perfectly
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