Whether it’s Joe Hart and Josip Juranoic enjoying a steak, or Albian Ajeti attempting Jota’s goal celebration, there have been smiles aplenty at Celtic under Ange Postecoglou this season.
No wonder. David Turnbull says “everybody loves it” at the club. There’s been a sea change in the atmosphere at Lennoxtown, and it’s yielding results. Celtic face Livingston today off the back of 5 consecutive wins, and could go top of the table.
As far as Ange Postecoglou’s concerned, he’s not taking the credit for it. Instead, it’s down to the senior players, whether brought in, or already at the club.
The Celtic manager said [Daily Record]:
“That is part of the process. In any environment that’s usually driven by your experienced players and how they behave.
“It’s not about words, it’s about actions and behaviour. If they do that then the rest will follow.
“It would have been really challenging at Celtic last season too, so at least now we can take advantage of the freedoms we have. The players themselves need to take the credit for the spirit. Sometimes when you are thrown into adversity together it bonds you.
“But through that adversity if you stick together it creates a bond among the group. That’s what happened and also the leadership of guys like Cal, Joe, Niro [Bitton] and Tommy [Rogic] is important.
“They have been here for a while or have past experience that, if you stick together, you can build something.”
Ange Postecoglou has had to make his own transition to life with Celtic
Of course, the Celtic boss has needed to make his own adjustments. Unlike the players, there’s nobody older in the dressing room he can count on. Instead, he’s looked to his family, who have come over to Scotland to join him.
Postecoglou said [Daily Record]:
“I have a beautiful family, a wife who understands it and two young kids who don’t have a say in the matter! That makes the transition a little easier.
“Everyone has been really supportive and that allows me to concentrate on getting this club the success it deserves.”
Undoubtedly, there’s a feel-good factor at Celtic under Ange Postecoglou. More than anything else, he seems like a genuine, friendly kind of manager. Moreover, it has to give the players a laugh when they see how well he deals with the media, and talks about his football.
Postecoglou has hardly had time to explore Glasgow since signing for Celtic. Inevitably, that’ll come, and he’ll be able to get out and about more often. He’s had some experiences already, saying he’s enjoyed the reception he’s had from supporters.
Hopefully, his family will have time to do the same before long. But whether it’s the manager settling in, or players bonding on and off the pitch, it’s clear; the mood at Celtic under Postecoglou is excellent.
Read more: 3 attacking midfielders Celtic could look to in January transfer window
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
