Joe Hart asked why Celtic players love working for Ange; response makes so much sense

By Euan Davidson

December 15, 2021

Joe Hart has given a detailed response about what it’s like to work for Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou.

Postecoglou brought Hart in from Tottenham Hotspur, where he was second-fiddle to French shot-stopper Hugo Lloris. Now, Hart’s the main man, and he’s already played more games than Celtic than for his last three clubs, West Ham, Spurs and Burnley [Transfermarkt].

It’s been genuinely encouraging to see the ex-England man become a prominent goalkeeper again. And much of it, Hart says, is down to one simple thing: instructions from the manager.

Yes, Hart says it’s obvious why the Celtic players love Ange Postecoglou; he gives everyone simple instructions on what he needs from them.

Hart said [Herald]: “What I love is that there’s reasons behind what I do.

“For me personally with the point I’m at in my career, and with my understanding of football, I like to ask why we are doing something. And I don’t find myself asking why much with this style.

“It makes a lot of sense and it is perfectly explained. I’m really enjoying it, I’m really loving working under him.

“It’s testing, but in a good way. There’s an awful lot of information, but the reasons why we do things are very clear, and that’s the way I like to work. That’s what I’m really enjoying.”

Joe Hart: an inspired signing by Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou

Another classy answer from Joe Hart, a player who very much gets it. After the situation Celtic had last year, getting in an experienced goalkeeper with real leadership from between the sticks was imperative.

Plenty of names were banded about, but Hart has been an absolutely excellent buy. Given his age, and last few seasons, there were reasonable concerns at one stage. But they’re all far, far gone now.

In terms of the content of his comments, there’s something for all coaches to learn there. It seems daft to imagine a manager not really explaining why he wants his players to do something on the pitch, but clearly it’s a thing. Otherwise, Joe Hart probably wouldn’t have remarked upon it.

Simple communication is all it takes sometimes.

And it’s testament to both Hart and Postecoglou that the defence is so improved this season.

Read more: What Jose Mourinho said after he faced Celtic Conference League opponents Bodo/Glimt