Celtic striker Giorgos Giakoumakis has received important backing from Chris Sutton today, but as far as he’s concerned, he’s always Ange Postecoglou’s faith.
The Greek striker was brought to Celtic after some overtures from Postecoglou, and it’s not been the smoothest ride thus far. Although he showed real promise on his debut against St Johnstone, and in brief European appearances, his time in Glasgow has been hampered by injury.
Recently, though, things have turned around. Using the absences of strikers like Kyogo and Maeda to his advantage, Giakoumakis has made it two starts and two goals in consecutive games.
Well-taken goals, too; his volley against Alloa was excellent, while a back-heel finish against Hearts was perfectly timed. Giakoumakis has explained that this is the real him, and Ange has always had his back. He said [Herald]: “I don’t think the manager has ever not trusted me.
“It was just because of the injuries I didn’t play too much. The target for me since the day I came was to be one of the main players in the squad. The expectations were high, but that’s why I work hard to improve myself every day.
“Of course, I have to be myself. First of all I have to help the team and be there for the team. But I really wanted to show the fans what type of player I am. I am a striker, so of course my job is to score.
“One of my jobs is to score, but I also have to work hard for the team and it is something the fans will see from me. As long as I am fit and strong, the supporters will see the real me.”
Celtic summer signing Giakoumakis always had Ange’s faith; today is another chance to repay it
Given the work Giorgos Giakoumakis has put in, especially over winter, it feels only right that he’s adding to his goal tally with real relish.
Having had false starts and disappointments already in his early Celtic career, the faith and trust of the manager had to have been absolutely huge for him. It’ll also be a big boost for Giakoumakis that Postecoglou can converse with him in Greek.
That’s a big comfort, especially so far away from home as both Giakoumakis and Postecoglou find themselves.
The point he’s making is a strong one, and it should be exciting to all of us of a Celtic persuasion. You can’t fault Giakoumakis’ passion, and when he says he’s intent on showing us the real him, that’s an exciting prospect. We know he can score goals, and hassle defenders for 90 minutes once or twice a week.
But when he’s really in his groove, he can be unerringly prolific. There’s a reason why he was the Eredivisie’s top scorer in 20-21, for a team that was relegated. No matter how many times you write or read that fact, it’s still absolutely staggering.
There’s certainly more to come from Giakoumakis. And he’s intent on proving that to us.
Ange already knows what he has in store.
Read more: Big attacking return, creativity in midfield; Celtic Predicted XI v Dundee United
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