Celtic boss Postecoglou ignoring pitch and form of Livingston to play his way

By Euan Davidson

September 17, 2021

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou is unwilling to get distracted ahead of facing Livingston.

What he’ll have been told about the West Lothian side will have been bountiful. Their results against us in recent years. Their – let’s be euphemistic – difficult surface. The excellent form they showed at times under David Martindale last season.

All of it will have been in his ear over recent weeks. Instead of preparing any excuses or talking up the challenge though, he’s more interested in winning games of football.

The Celtic manager sounded typically bullish with in-house Celtic media today. Ahead of what represents a difficult away trip, following a sojourn in Seville, Postecoglou remains determined and forthright.

He told Celtic FC:

“It’s a good challenge for us. It’s always a difficult place to go and play, but from our perspective, hopefully we’ll get some bodies back and have some fresh legs and, again, it’s a good chance for us to continue on the way we want to play our football.

“Every game is a threat, every game is a challenge. And what we’ve tried to do is approach every game in a similar manner, irrespective of the opponent or their circumstances.

“Livingston haven’t won this season. But that’s probably given them that drive to get that first win, and we’ve got to make sure we’re ready for that.”

Celtic manager Postecoglou driven as ever to do things his way, whether it’s Livingston or Leverkusen

If anything was made clear last night, it’s that Celtic manager Postecoglou is going to remain steadfast in his footballing beliefs.

Last night, he was asked questions about playing more defensively against tough opposition. Inevitably, he’ll be asked about tweaking his approach against Livingston.

It’s not as if he will, but he really doesn’t need to change a thing.

Celtic are creating chances for fun, regardless of who we’re up against. Chances from long balls, crosses, intricate passing moves, set pieces – you name it.

There are several different ways to beat an opposition. Postecoglou’s gung-ho ultra-attacking football has already yielded some impressive results. If he can use it to devastating effect against a bogey team of years prior, it’ll show that it’s an approach worth taking.

In prior years, we might’ve dreaded a trip to the, ahem, Tony Macaroni. Instead, we’re optimistic about our chances with the Spaghettihad in sight.

Every game is significant. But quieting a perennial annoyance on Sunday will be extra satisfying if it’s done Ange’s way.

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