Ange Postecoglou challenges his Celtic players to do ‘something special’

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Ange Postecoglou is adamant his players can rise to the occasion and push Celtic through to the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League.

Celtic’s win away to Ferencvaros has guaranteed the Bhoys a spot in the Europa Conference League after Christmas, but there is still the possibility of finishing second and staying in the bigger competition.

Two tough matches lie ahead away to Bayer Leverkusen and at home to Real Betis. However, a slip up from the Spaniards against Ferencvaros would open the door for the Bhoys in the final group game regardless of what happens in Germany.

Postecoglou doesn’t want Celtic to settle for anything inferior, telling The Glasgow Times: “I want to get out of this group. The win has given us a chance to progress and we are not going to discount that.

“That’s two away fixtures we have scored three goals each. We just lost control of the game in Betis, but we’ve grown in belief since then and we’re now in a position we can push for second spot.

“Why miss these opportunities? They don’t come around that often when you can create something special. You can’t plan for it in two or three years’ time. The opportunity is here and now, so let’s go for it.

The Celtic boss is also aiming to pick up a positive result travelling to the Bundesliga side, insisting: “We’ll go there and go at them as we always have. That’s the kind of club we want to be and the type of football we want to play.”

It’s all part of an incredibly important gauntlet at the end of November and into December. Domestically and in Europe Celtic will be fighting on three fronts. But that’s the nature of the beast when it comes to chasing success.

So far there have been ups and downs this season but you get the sense if the Bhoys can find real consistency we’ll be in great shape heading into the new year when another transfer window arrives and these players get more and more used to the Ange way of life.

In other news, “Scary? You should see him in the dressing room!”; Jota’s class comments about fiery Celtic teammate.