Former Scotland international and popular pundit Michael Stewart is in disbelief at the work Ange Postecoglou is doing at Celtic.
Postecoglou, who had to fight countless doubters in the Scottish media, has been nothing but impressive since joining Celtic. His early words encouraged supporters, but his relentless, energetic football is already having notable successes.
Not least tonight, against AZ Alkmaar.
Following Celtic’s Europa League triumph at Paradise tonight, Stewart tweeted:
In fairness, he’s bang on. Every Celtic supporter would’ve hoped for some improvement. But the football, the attitude and the culture is night and day from last season.
So, of course, it makes you agonise in wondering whether we could’ve brought the Greek-Aussie boss in earlier.
Despite naysayers and doom-mongers in the Scottish press, Postecoglou has proven his doubters wrong in comprehensive fashion so far. Not only that, he doesn’t seem to indulge the clichés or hyperbole.
AZ Alkmaar brought a well-earned solid reputation to Celtic Park. But the sheer determination to win the ball back, and insistence on attacking play, earned the Bhoys a result that could have real ramifications for the rest of the season.
Michael Stewart is right about Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou, now we wonder what if…
Based on everything we’ve seen, the FC Midtjylland game came just a week too early for Postecoglou. While everyone thought it’d be Eddie Howe through the door, the ex-Bournemouth man changed his mind in dramatic fashion.
Had Celtic acted that bit earlier, we could’ve had Europa League football ensured by now. At least.
For sure, in hindsight, this team is now better than anything FC Midtjylland could’ve thrown at us. Rustiness, changing tactics and moving squad parts contributed to a result that was tough to take.
But there’s no point wondering what if. Instead, there’s a lot to be excited about with this Celtic manager. Players who were on the periphery before have shone, while new Bhoys like Kyogo Furuhashi and Joe Hart have been phenomenal additions.
Postecoglou won’t settle though. Not by a long shot.
We’re just getting started.
Read more: Stephen Welsh steps up on the big stage
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