Positivity has been severely lacking for Celtic this summer.
Whether it be doomsday predictions from media pundits [Daily Record], or the failure to strengthen in key positions – there has been far too much pessimism and negativity.
The appointment of a manager unknown to British football didn’t help in that regard. But we can all see what Ange Postecoglou is trying to bring to Celtic, and there are certainly some exciting signs.
Celtic’s forward play has been the main positive but it’s been overlooked. Instead, the majority of the discussion has been on our centre-back and right-back shortages.
But think for a moment, if these issues were sorted out, would there still be such a big wave of concern surrounding the football club? I don’t think there would be. And the fact is that Celtic appear to be making promising strides to sort these areas out.
Carl Starfelt has already signed and will likely be available against Hearts on Saturday. As for the right-back position, Celtic are said to be close to signing Aurelio Buta [Walfoot]. There are still more signings needed, but we’re on the right path.
It’s also important to remember that Kyogo Furuhashi has still to make his Celtic debut too. There will be real excitement when he becomes available for selection.
Positivity will surround Celtic if the next four days are successful
But what will be the biggest booster for the football club is results. Many are looking too much into meaningless pre-season friendly matches. Our one competitive game against Midtjylland saw us dominate the football match and create a host of goalscoring opportunities.
When Celtic face the Danes tomorrow night in Denmark, we’ll know we have the better players. We know we can dominate the game, and we know we have it in us to get the job done. It may be up in the air as to who progresses into the third qualifying round just now, but Celtic undoubtedly have the more exciting squad.
I’m banking on the Hoops to get the job done tomorrow. If they do, watch the difference in atmosphere surrounding the football club. All of a sudden the narrative will be much more positive and more people within and outwith the club will buy into what Postecoglou is trying to do.
That will then be followed with a crunch Premiership opener against Hearts on Saturday. Celtic will be facing some adversity in that one too given there will be no away fans present.
If we go to Tynecastle and follow up a win in Denmark with a first three points of the season, fans will be buzzing. For Postecoglou to secure a big win in a heated rivalry for his first Premiership game? It won’t get much better than that.
Look at what winning at Tynecastle on matchday one did for Brendan Rodgers back in 2016. A manager who was also being questioned for losing to the Lincoln Red Imps in his first competitive game.
These are two matches where Celtic are favourites to win. There’s no reason for us not to think we’re in with a great chance in both.
And if we do, watch the general negativity around the football club begin to disappear. It’s a big few days for Postecoglou and Celtic, and it’s time for him to truly announce his arrival in Scotland.
In other news: Hearts supporters left fizzing with official attendance figure for Celtic match
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