Ryan Christie lauds Ange Postecoglou as he predicts long-term Celtic success

By David Walton

September 19, 2021

Ange Postecoglou left a massive impression on Ryan Christie despite the latter choosing to leave his revolution for Championship side Bournemouth.

Christie was one of the key performers during the first month of Postecoglou’s Celtic reign. The Greek-Australian is moving to try and integrate a high-tempo, high-intensity attacking style into the Parkhead club.

Postecoglou arrived at Parkhead with a monumental rebuilding job on his hands. Fast forward three months and he’s managed to rid the club of the wantaway players whilst bringing an exciting flurry of attacking talent to Glasgow. Not to mention the early signs of his never-stop philosophy has led to a big boost in supporter morale.

And even though Christie jumped ship, he’s certain of long-term Celtic success should Postecoglou stay where he is in the coming years.

As quoted by the Daily Record, Christie said: “From what I’ve seen of Ange through working with him, I’m convinced Celtic can get back on top with him in charge. If Ange is the manager for a long time they will be successful. I’ve no doubt about that.

“I could tell that from one of the first sessions he took. It’s actually frustrating that part of me wishes I’d have got to work under him for a bit longer. But my time was up and I needed a change.

“I get on really well with Ange and enjoyed playing under him. I can’t say a bad word about him. He was superb from the get-go. In such a short space of time with him, I learned plenty which is amazing. I owe him a big thank you and I wish him and the team all the best. I really want him to do well.”

Ange Postecoglou leaves mark on Ryan Christie

Interesting to note this from Christie. We could all see as Celtic supporters just how much he had raised his game this term. Not just from the fact he managed one goal and three assists in his opening month, but from his general all-round displays.

Christie was chasing lost causes that he would often have left last season. He was proving to be a big ball-carrier under Postecoglou also. Some of his work both on and off the ball often led to openings for others.

It was undoubtedly so far removed from the Christie we were used to last term. Such a massive improvement from the player who was one of the key reasons we performed so poorly going forward. It’s just disappointing then that he saw his future away from the club.

Clearly, Postecoglou’s positive effect in the changing room wasn’t enough to keep Christie in Glasgow. Whether that proves to be the right decision will be answered in the long-term. But the early signs for Celtic are promising, even without Christie.

It remains to be seen just how long Postecoglou sees his Celtic project going on for. He comes across as the kind of figure that wants to see jobs through. He clearly has big plans for Celtic that won’t be completed in just a season or two.

Of course, Postecoglou will be judged on what he wins in Scotland. You can play the most attractive football in the world, but if trophies don’t follow, time will always run out. It’s going to be intriguing to see how he copes with trying to do both in the coming months.

In other news, Rocco Vata’s mum shares brilliant footage of her son in Celtic U18 rout