Ange Postecoglou shares his thoughts on Celtic’s Champions League draw

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Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has reacted to his side’s UEFA Champions League group stage draw for the first time this morning.

The Hoops discovered their opponents for this season’s tournament on Thursday afternoon as they prepare to face off against Real Madrid, RB Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk.

It is an extremely exciting time for the Celtic support, with the Bhoys back amongst the big time and taking on some of the biggest club sides in the world.

Postecoglou and his squad earned their place in this season’s competition after lifting the Scottish Premiership last campaign.

And now for all those involved at Celtic, including the manager and the players, they cannot wait for the European fixtures to get underway.

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou reacted to the group stage draw for the first time this morning, providing his thoughts on the ‘tough, but exciting group’ that lies ahead.

He said [Celtic FC]: “I guess the first bit, we’re excited we are in it. I think that’s what the general anticipation was about, we were actually in the draw, and you know you’re going to be in potentially some special groups.

“Really pleased. A tough, but exciting group.”

When questioned about taking on one of Europe’s biggest sides in Real Madrid, Ange said: “It’s great for our football club. Guys of my generation, in particular, will remember those great Real Madrid sides, and they are still a great side. They are the reigning holders of the Champions League.

“So, it’s an exciting fixture. But, I think all the games, when you are talking about the Champions League, it’s the whole experience of playing and testing yourself against the best, and we’ll certainly be doing that.

“I’m sure it will. As I said, we are back; it’s, it’s where we want to be and where we want to be consistently, playing our football at this level and testing ourselves against the best.”

Finally, Postecoglou admitted that the squad and clubs who travel to Glasgow will be looking forward to sampling the Celtic Park atmosphere, stating: “Irrespective of the magnitude of the clubs we play, every single one of them will leave Celtic Park knowing they’ve been in for a unique experience, an unbelievable experience, and I’m sure the clubs in our group will be looking forward to visiting our ground.

“For our players, what a great opportunity to feel the energy and the passion that our supporters have.”

Exciting months ahead for Ange Postecoglou and his Celtic squad as European giants await.

It is fair to say that we are in for an exciting few months ahead, with Ange Postecoglou’s side facing some brilliant European ties on the road and at home.

Of course, the main attraction for most will be the glamour tie against current Champions League holders Real Madrid. But the games against RB Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk could also prove to be special nights at Paradise.

The Celtic supporters cannot wait for these games to get underway, with the chance to test ourselves on one of the biggest stages of them all.

For now, though, that excitement must be parked for the opening game of the competition in a few weeks time, with Scottish Premiership action beforehand, and I am sure Ange Postecoglou will be reminding his squad of exactly that.

In other news, Report: EFL side ‘hold talks’ over move for Celtic youngster.