Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou isn’t interested in throwing goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas under the metaphorical bus.
In comments given to Sky Sports this weekend, he hinted that the Greek goalkeeper will continue to be involved in his team, despite a mistake against Midtjylland on Tuesday.
Midfielder Evander curled in a fierce free-kick that the goalkeeper should have dealt with, allowing the Danes back into the tie at 1-1.
Postecoglou admits that Barkas himself was unhappy with conceding in that manner but has also praised the other things he did in the game.
Speaking to Sky Sports News [23/07, 12:15], the Celtic boss said: “Barky himself was disappointed with the goal. But in other aspects of the game we want him to do, he did well.
“The game would have been over if we had taken our chances but that’s the nature of the goalkeeping position.
“He has been training well and deserved the opportunity to play the other night.”
It doesn’t sound like Postecoglou is too concerned about Barkas’ role. There’s been an added element of anxiety from supporters because of what they witnessed from the goalkeeper last season.
The manager will be aware of that, but it sounds like he’s willing to judge the goalkeeper on things that happen on his watch, rather than what’s gone on before. For me, that’s actually fine.
Obviously, I have my own concerns about Barkas, but if Postecoglou is ready to take this stance then we just have to see how it all pans out.
The Greek international does offer a better solution to the way the manager likes to deploy his goalkeepers than other options such as Scott Bain. For now, he’s still the default first-choice.
In other news, Carl Starfelt teases Celtic supporters with Instagram highlight reel.
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