Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou is known for communicating incredibly well publicly, whether it’s one-line zingers, snapping back at odd press questions or giving supporters insight into his footballing outlook and philosophy.
One of his answers in today’s pre-match media conference fell into the latter category, going into his views on never seeking comfort in elite sport and always striving for constant improvement.
It’s one of the best responses that the manager has given so far this season and, for me, provides a bit of comfort that Celtic are still heading in the right direction despite a difficult few weeks.
Asked by 67 Hail Hail’s Hamish Carton about his quest for collective and continuous improvement and where it comes from, Postecoglou said today: “I don’t know where it comes from originally, but I speak to the players constantly about that. It’s the only way, in elite sport, that you can truly be successful.
“As human beings, our natural inclination is to try and be comfortable. Who wants to struggle in life? No one wants to struggle. If we all had an option between struggling and being comfortable, we’d take comfortable.
“But in elite sport, comfortable doesn’t get you to the next level. Comfortable keeps you in the same place. You need to push yourself, you need to make mistakes, and you need to test yourself at every moment. That’s where improvement comes from as long as you’re prepared to embrace that and want that.
“It’s not for everybody. I’ve been really fortunate and blessed to live a life doing what I love. I never want to take that for granted and feel comfortable. I want to see other possibilities exist and to do that, you have to be brave with your outlook and be courageous. That’s what I keep telling the players.
“We’ve got to be like that as a club as well. If we want to get to the next level, we’re not going to do that by feeling like we want to be secure at any point. Whether that’s at the domestic level or at the Champions League level. We’ve got to be up for the fight, for the battle, to test ourselves and be positive and take the punches when they come along, come back stronger. That’s how you create something special.
“Comfort and security, you know what you’re going to get – in elite sport, that means whatever position you’re in, more than likely you’ll stay there or get surpassed by somebody who’s looking for something better.”
Truly, in this moment of transition from domestic success to a European outlook – could we have a better man in charge than this?
I don’t want to be too effusive with praise – every reader can make their own mind up on Postecoglou’s comments.
Nonetheless, it undoubtedly strikes a hopeful tone heading deeper into the season despite the team not exactly hitting top form since a 4-0 drubbing of Rangers. Nothing is going to be settled for here. There will be no wilful plateau while Postecoglou is in charge.
It’s the exact environment we need for this to be another successful season.
In other news, Ange Postecoglou addresses Celtic supporter disappointment in the perfect way.
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