Celtic attacker Jota was delighted to see Alexandro Bernabei get onto the scoresheet over the weekend after putting in so much hard work at training.
Bernabei scored a stunning rocket to cap off the 2-0 win away to Ross County – his first ever since joining the Bhoys last summer. It’s one of the best goals scored by anyone at the club this season and has boosted the left-backs reputation with supporters.
For Jota, it’s little surprise. In fact, he reckons it is just the latest sign that Celtic substitute players will always deliver for Ange Postecoglou because of the way everyone goes about their business at Lennoxtown.
The winger said [Scottish Daily Mail, 04/04 print edition page 71]: “All of the staff at Celtic have laid a very good base and foundation for us to feel at home here. From day one, there is a system here. The staff are very good on this, telling us: “We want you to do this”.
“That lets us play our type of game within the tactics and rules and the formation. Then it is up to us in the dressing room to make everyone feel welcome. We know that once everyone is happy and performing then we will be closer to our goals.
“Alexandro is a very nice guy and he moved from a totally different background. Football in Argentina is completely different from the football here in Scotland. He deserved his goal on Sunday. I was just so happy for him.
“It just shows how good our group is and how ready they are to deliver performances when they come into the team. We always train very hard at Lennoxtown and any time there is an opportunity we are ready to take it. That is why when there is a sub or whatever they always deliver.”
The unity in Postecoglou’s squad has always been very apparent. It’s something the players have talked about a lot. The manager, too, has highlighted the leaders in his dressing room as key to creating a successful environment.
So much so that that the Celtic boss doesn’t spend much time with the group before matches – instead letting people like Callum McGregor take responsibility. It’s the same at the training centre, with Postecoglou taking on an observer role and only interacting with people when he has to.
Jota clearly thinks these communication and bonding methods are working, with Bernabei the latest sign that contributions will come from all over the squad.
In other news, Celtic announce Rangers ticket details; purchase deadline, criteria, prices.
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