Kyogo Furuhashi has shared details of the demands Ange Postecoglou puts on his Celtic squad, which has led to the Bhoys scoring several crucial late goals during his tenure.
The 27-year-old has been a key feature for the former Socceroos boss since his arrival in Glasgow from Vissel Kobe.
Kyogo was regarded as one of Postecoglou’s first crucial signings after the 57-year-old utilised his knowledge of the J-League.
And he certainly hasn’t been a disappointment, becoming a fans favourite amongst large sections of the Parkhead support.
Not only that, but as the frontman in Postecoglou’s side, Kyogo is seen as the leading force that both kick-starts defensive duties and also rounds off attacking moves.
As Celtic supporters will be well aware, there are a lot of demands that come with playing in this Celtic side, with Kyogo’s pressing and hard work being the perfect example of that.
However, the Bhoys earn plenty of rewards from that hard work and have been the benefits during Postecoglou’s tenure, scoring several dramatic late winners.
Recently, the Celtic number eight was the man to get on the scoresheet late on after scoring in stoppage time against Dundee United last month.
Speaking in a recent interview, the Japanese international brilliantly outlined exactly why that is the case, explaining in some detail how the Celtic manager sets his side up, looking to attack and tire out the opposition, with rewards then coming during the game, including the occasion important late strike.
He said [The Athletic]: “As a team, we know exactly how we want to play.
“Regardless of whether it’s in the first minute or in the 90th minute, we want to actively defend from the front, pressing on the opponent’s defensive line and attack the opposition player on the ball — like a pressing wave.
“I also scored some late goals when I was at Vissel Kobe, but I believe we create more chances here at Celtic, even at the end of the game.
“During our attacking phase or at throw-ins, we don’t want to get into a resting mode — we stay in active mode, and if we keep our intensity high, it will be difficult for our opponent to stay focused for 90 minutes.
“Maybe this is why we’ve scored goals at the beginning of the game but also at the end of the game.”
Kyogo continued: “In principle, our approach remains the same.
“I play as centre-forward, and the tasks that we all get from our manager are clear. Regardless of what formation our opponent is playing in, we, as a team, want to actively dominate the game and work with high intensity with our pressing. Our attitude doesn’t change.”
Kyogo and Celtic’s never say die attitude has been on display ever since his arrival at Parkhead.
After such a difficult season in the 2020/21 campaign, Ange Postecoglou had the tough task of rebuilding his Celtic side and their mentality.
However, in just 12 months, he was able to do that, and that is thanks to signings such as Kyogo Furuhashi.
The former Vissel Kobe man optimises the never-say-die attitude that Postecoglou has built at the club across his, scoring some important goals.
Whether it be his recent late strike against Dundee United or his quickfire double to deliver the Premier Sports cup last season, he is precisely what the Celtic manager is looking for in a striker.
That is the reason Celtic supporters have taken to him so quickly, and he has very much had a big part to play in the Bhoys’ success.
I am sure he will be hoping to add plenty more goals to his collection at Parkhead, and there is no doubt that will include a few late strikes too. After all, this team is known for never stopping.
In other news, Josip Juranovic can’t wait to meet Celtic team-mate today; tasty viewing set for Hoops supporters.
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