Scott Bain says there have been some real changes at Lennoxtown since Celtic hired Ange Postecoglou, especially in terms of goalkeepers.
While Stevie Woods and Colin Meldrum have remained in place, and technique training remains largely the same, the goalkeepers have been more involved in general build-up play in training. That’s according to Scott Bain, who’s very much enjoying the tenure of Ange Postecoglou thus far.
Bain, who’s already praised Joe Hart for his significant influence on and off the pitch, spoke about what the manager’s done in terms of goalkeepers. Ange Postecoglou likes his goalkeepers to be part of the outfield, and that’s what we’ve seen so far.
Speaking to Celtic’s in-house media, Bain said [Celtic FC]: “On the majority it’s kind of the same, but we are obviously focusing more on playing out again, playing out from the back and being involved in build-up play.
“You can probably see the goalkeepers play a lot higher now than before, in terms of a sweeper role. So yeah, we do a lot more with the players in terms of possession, and things like that.
“It’s changed a little but. But… Stevie [Woods] is part of the furniture here, so not much changed in that goalkeeping aspect.”
Some interesting insight on life at Lennoxtown under Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou
To be honest, there are no significant shocks here. Goalkeepers are union unto themselves, it takes a special breed, and all the rest.
Still, it’s encouraging to hear Scott Bain detail how goalkeepers are being integrated into more technical work with their teammates. How else do you build cohesion between the keeper and his defence? Relying on it happening magically in-game makes no sense at all.
There’s also something to be said about how Postecoglou didn’t change the staff when he arrived at Celtic. It was something he was initially criticised for, but it’s worked. Especially in regards to Stevie Woods; a man who’s revitalised another career in Joe Hart.
Just as he did for Craig Gordon, Woods has re-energised Joe Hart after a really difficult few years between clubs. There was understandable cynicism when Hart arrived, given how his career had gone after Manchester City. Nobody would question putting him in the team now.
Bain, too, seems to have improved, albeit in limited minutes. But he’s a capable enough back-up, and he’s clearly enjoying the set-up. That’ll show in performances.
So, it’s some useful insight from Scott Bain that says more upon closer inspection about Celtic and Ange Postecoglou.
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