Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has opened up on his plans for January and beyond in his AGM video interview today.
Postecoglou has made a rip-roaring start to life as Parkhead boss. He’s managed to oversee a major squad rebuild over the course of the summer whilst still keeping performances and results positive. The Hoops remain well in the title race whilst we have a big chance to progress in the Europa League.
It’s been a stunning first few months in charge for the Greek-Australian, but there is still plenty of work to be done.
And speaking in his AGM video interview posted by the club this afternoon, Postecoglou said: “Continual growth and improvement [his main goal moving forward]. I know people were very keen on me to sort of do things immediately. It’s just not the way I’m wired, it’s not the way I work. I kind of get fairly methodical about what people I’m bringing in and how we grow as a football club, particularly the football department, the area I’m in charge of.
“A big part for me is getting the right people as much as getting the right skillsets. We’ve started some work in that area and we’ll continue to work in that area. We’ll definitely add the right people to this football club. we’re not just about some immediate reaction, it’s about building something that will last. We’ll keep working on that track and we’re very confident we’ll get the right people in.
“Further strengthening [the January priority]. Obviously, with such a major influx of players in the summer window I just wanted to see how everyone settles in – the new players, the existing players, see what development we had within the group and slowly start to fill some of the gaps which are fairly evident to me as we move along.
“We’re constantly looking at how we’re going to improve the squad, all in line with the kind of football team we want to be. If the right person exists out there to bring in, on and off the field then we’ll do that.”
Ange Postecoglou ready to make January additions to Celtic squad
The message is pretty simple from the manager here – he wants some more additions in January. That’s great to hear considering, as good as the squad has been in gelling together this term, we still have some way to go.
There are still some positional shortages that need amending. A back-up goalkeeper would be ideal for a start given the lack of quality behind Joe Hart.
You then have the fact Celtic still don’t have a recognised, dependable left-back. Sure, there’s the likes of Liam Scales and Boli Bolingoli, but neither appear to be entrusted by Ange to make an impact.
Not to mention we have a midfield issue in that Celtic still need to find a replacement for when Tom Rogic or David Turnbull pick up an injury.
So there are moves that Celtic can still make to strengthen the squad. But there’s no denying the major restructuring of the football club occurred over the summer. It’s unlikely to be a tidal wave of new arrivals that supporters are greeted with come the new year.
But Ange clearly wants some new signings in the door. Fingers crossed he manages to get them.
In other news, Dermot Desmond absent from AGM; Celtic Trust and Shared react
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