Joe Hart comments show just how quickly Celtic squad have bought into Postecoglou's vision

By Euan Davidson

August 19, 2021

Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart perfectly summed it up what it meant to be a player for the club under Ange Postecoglou last night.

Often, regardless of the player, post-match interviews don’t give too much away. “Grateful for the three points”, “we go again”, that kind of patter. You’re talking to athletes who have just used every ounce of energy in front of thousands of people.

Yet, the articulate and forthright Hart was full of praise for Postecoglou, and spoke with utter clarity on how the Celtic players have bought into his ideas. He even said that he enjoyed the game; quite the comment having made some vital stops to deny AZ Alkmaar.

The Celtic goalkeeper said [Celtic FC]:

“It was a tough game, it was a really good game to be a part of. Really, really exciting. I thought Alkmaar were fantastic, they brought their A-game. [But] so did we. We really stepped up.

“We were brave, we believe in what the manager’s pushing us to do. And it’s tough football, it’s high-intensity. Every couple of days, [boys] are putting their bodies on the line.

“It’s a mixture of beautiful football and hard work, and dedication.

“Individuals [are] great, but for us to be successful, it’s every single one of us. There’s five subs available, it’s boys coming on when the boys are on empty. It’s a real, real squad effort, and it’s going to have to be for us to do anything this season.

“We’ve got to rely on each other, rely on the system… we’re all just as important as each other.”

Joe Hart has the experience to be a leader for Ange Postecoglou and Celtic

You could be forgiven for thinking a 75-cap, two-time Premier League winner might have a bit of an ego. On big wages in his Manchester City pomp, it’d be understandable if Hart had a bit of arrogance to him. In fairness, he’d have earned it considering his CV.

Instead, he seems fully invested in the collective effort of this squad. Any ego has been left at the door, and there’s utter commitment to what Postecoglou is trying to do at Celtic.

Few would’ve dreamt, let alone expected, that Celtic would be getting big results this early. Even fewer would’ve expected such style and panache, at the same time.

Even the most optimistic Postecoglou backers are surely surprised at how quickly things have changed at Celtic.

This isn’t to be complacent. The season has barely kicked off. However, the style of football, the work ethic of the players and the rapid improvement in terms of quality and results really is impressive. And Hart has summed it up: it’s collective effort, hard work and beautiful football.

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