“Accept this”; Chris Sutton’s Postecoglou reality check for Celtic supporters

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Chris Sutton insists Celtic supporters need to take the rough with the smooth when it comes to Ange Postecoglou’s football.

Postecoglou’s team were taken apart by Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night in a disappointing performance.

Large gaps in the Bhoys midfield were exploited as the Norwegians showed a ruthless edge in the final third.

However, Sutton has defender Postecoglou’s team selection and feels if plaudits are going to be dished out to the Australian for a decisive derby win, then there needs to be an acceptance his football isn’t going to change in Europe.

Chris Sutton thinks Celtic need more time and more recruitment

Writing in his Daily Record column, he stated: “If fans are going to celebrate that approach when they are taking Rangers to pieces, there has to be an acceptance it can backfire at times.

“He’s stayed realistic recently. He knows that improvements need to be made. He doesn’t hide from it and didn’t say anything different when his team took over at the top of the table.

“Europe might be disappearing this term but the fact Celtic are leading the Premiership with 12 games to go and already have a piece of silverware in the cabinet tells you the manager’s approach is, in the main part, working out so far.

“It is not a time for any Celtic fan to doubt it or decry it. For it to succeed at the higher levels, it is going to need more work and more good recruitment. But Postecoglou doesn’t need to be told that and he isn’t going to change.

“The Celtic fans just have to accept this is how it is going to be done. And, if it means there’s the odd slap in the face now and again while it’s being perfected, then that’s how it has to be.”

In fairness to the Celtic support, I don’t think there’s been too much of a frenzied reaction to Thursday night’s result. At least not that I’ve seen or heard.

I reckon most people understand that the Bhoys are still a work in progress.

I’ve seen worse post-mortems in the wake of a poor Celtic result in Europe. It’s not necessarily what Postecoglou is being judged on this season.

Nonetheless, I agree with Sutton’s overall sentiment. Now is not the time to throw a wobble about the manager or the direction Celtic are heading in.

Pick up three points tomorrow, get back on track and see where the season takes us. We’re on the cusp of more major honours after winning the League Cup. There’s no room for distraction.

In other news, Celtic forward scores winner on first start for loan club.