Livingston boss David Martindale believes Ange Postecoglou has his squad better prepared for each game, thanks to the details he puts into each opponent.
The Bhoys are preparing to make their long-awaited return to Celtic Park this midweek as they take on Livi in the rescheduled fixture.
After restarting the campaign with a 1-0 victory over Aberdeen, Ange Postecoglou will be hopeful of seeing his side produce another good result.
Livingston has proved to be a difficult outfit for the Hoops in recent times and are one of the only a few sides in Scotland to have defeated Ange Postecoglou as Celtic manager.
Last October, Martindale and his team also managed to pick up a point at Celtic Park, holding the Bhoys to a 0-0 draw.
Celtic have enjoyed more success in recent times, defeating Livi on their home patch on two separate occasions in 2022.
Going into Wednesday’s game, Celtic will be full of confidence after winning 15 out of 16 games in the Scottish Premiership.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, Livingston boss David Martindale has been full of praise for Ange Postecoglou, crediting him for his approach to each individual game.
The 48-year-old manager insisted there isn’t one player in the current squad who Ange hasn’t improved as he assessed what is bound to be a difficult test in Glasgow.
He said [Sky Sports]: “I think you are going into those games, and you are not a surprise anymore. The Celtic team, the Celtic manager are going into our game in a bit more detail.
“I think Ange has said he doesn’t take any game any different from another. But I have found Celtic players with a wee bit more intensity, they are giving us a little more respect, and by giving us a little bit more respect, it’s probably adding to their own game. They are putting a lot more detail into the game.”
He continued: “I think Ange did an incredible job to win the league last year, but I think he has kicked on again this year. I look at managers, how do you judge them?
“You judge them on performances, but you also judge them on do they make players better? And I can look at Celtic, hand on heart, and there’s not a player in that building he has not improved. I think he has done a fantastic job with them.
“He has got one of the best midfielders in the country in Callum McGregor returning to form, it’s going to be a difficult game.”
Ange Postecoglou eyeing up first Celtic Park victory over Livi as Martindale praises Hoops boss.
The Celtic boss will be hoping that this time around, his side can pick up all three points against a solid Livingston side at home; a feat they couldn’t achieve during the 2021/22 campaign.
Admittedly, we did only face David Martindale’s team once on home solid. But, I am sure it will still be a frustration to Postecoglou that his side dropped points that day.
Of course, this Celtic team has come on leaps and bounds since last October, and the praise from Martindale for the 57-year-old is very much justified.
The Bhoys have been on some journey since Livi’s last trip to Paradise, and Martindale is well aware of this with his praise for the former Socceroos boss.
Postecoglou’s squad certainly won’t go into this one with the attitude that they just need to turn up to come away with victory, and I am sure they will be well-fired up in the hope of delivering another three points.
In other news, Carl Starfelt’s perfect response to media question which showcases Celtic mentality.
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