David Turnbull has provided a fresh insight into the new Celtic training methods under Ange Postecoglou as he explained the key message that’s being hammered into the players.
Turnbull was one of the Celtic contingent that was part of the Scotland squad for Euro 2020. However, it would ultimately be a frustrating period for David as he failed to bag a single appearance in the competition.
Nowadays, he’s back with the Hoops and took part of his first pre-season training match against Charlton yesterday. Turnbull was typically energetic and efficient, and looks set to be a key cog for Postecoglou moving forward.
And as the players continue to get used to what is no doubt a massive change, Turnbull has commented on the new man’s training methods for the first time.
As quoted by the Herald, Turnbull said: “He is a different face and he has been brilliant since he came in. He has welcomed us all and brought his style of play to the team and is just trying to bring that into the games. It’s been great.
“I think his style of play will suit me. He always says that once we get into the final third we need ton just go and express ourselves and not worry about making mistakes.
“As long as you have a good reaction when we lose the ball, to go and win it straight back, that’ what he is looking for. He wants us to work hard, but that’s just something you need to do for the team. Maybe not all the boys enjoy it quite so much but it’s a team game. If everybody sticks to the plan it will hopefully work in the end.”
David Turnbull enjoying rigorous new Celtic training
It’s class to see that our most creative attacking midfielder is enjoying the sessions under the new man. He’s going to play a colossal role for the club this season in winning our crown back from Rangers.
Interesting that Postecoglou is really drilling the message into the team about positive reactions. About the ability to chase down lost causes and win the ball back immediately after losing it.
What that leads to is a high level of intensity. Whenever Celtic manage to play with that level of aggression or intensity to their play, nobody in Scotland can match their tempo. That’s been proven in the past.
What let us down last season was our consistently poor reactions to losing possession. There wasn’t a hunger from the team to defend as a unit and it cost us dearly. That sounds like something Ange is itching to change.
Celtic have shown promising intensity levels in their first two pre-season games against Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton respectively. But there’s a long way to go before this team is at the level Postecoglou will want it to be at.
Hopefully, we take another step in the right direction on Wednesday against Brentford.
In other news: Report: In-demand Kris Ajer to return to Celtic squad against Bristol City
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
