Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has given a firm response about the potential pitfalls of the Bhoys’ preparation to face Bodo/Glimt.
Postecoglou and Celtic didn’t train over in northern Norway, with fans wondering whether it would’ve suited the Hoops to get used to the playing surface at the Aspmyra Arena. Bodo/Glimt use an artificial surface, and the likes of Roma have struggled to get going against the Norwegian champions.
However, for Ange Postecoglou, Celtic didn’t really have anything to gain from heading over early. The Hoops boss scoffed at the idea of suddenly finding some kind of answer to use against Bodo/Glimt because of their playing surface. Instead, Celtic stayed at Lennoxtown, in preparation for tomorrow’s game.
He explained [Sky Sports]: “In Scotland we have exposure to artificial pitches, we’ve already played two matches on them this season so there’s not a great deal to be gained.
“If you’re expecting after one session you’re going to find some miracle on an artificial pitch that’s going to win you the game then you fall into the wrong trap.
“The best approach is to make sure your players are always prepared to deal with whatever challenges there are. Us flying there and having one session on their pitch is going to make absolutely no difference.”
Celtic supporters will be hoping Ange Postecoglou is right as Hoops aim to cancel out Bodo/Glimt lead
For Celtic tomorrow, the objective is very clear: score 3 times, don’t concede.
That’s going to be difficult. Especially given the circumstances. With strong winds and literally arctic conditions to deal with, you’re unlikely to see anyone in short sleeves now Scott Brown is at Aberdeen.
Surface-wise, Ange does have a point; we’ve played on these kinds of pitches before. They’re part of the reality for clubs that operate on lower budgets and in more testing climates. Scotland, then, has plenty. Alloa Athletic and Livingston have both hosted Celtic this season.
From Ange’s perspective, it’s about preparing the players to go about things the right way, with an intense training session, regardless of the environment. It’s inarguably a courageous approach, and one that chimes with the manager’s more general outlook on football.
Would it have helped to get a feel for the Aspmyra ahead of tomorrow night, though? You could argue the case.
Nevertheless, Ange Postecoglou is determined that it won’t affect Celtic tomorrow night. For him, it’s about the players doing what they know they can do, and artificial surfaces be damned.
Read more: The two biggest changes Celtic boss Postecoglou needs to make against Bodo/Glimt
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