‘Terrific’ Celtic performer suggests he’s learned more from Brendan Rodgers than Ange Postecoglou

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Celtic, under Ange Postecoglou, really were a different animal in terms of the type of football we played under the Australian.

At times we were breathtaking and no one could touch us. Under Ange, we racked up and incredible 206 goals as we won five trophies out of six which included the record-breaking eighth domestic treble.

And with the former Celtic gaffer’s unique brand of football, you would think that Matt O’Riley learned a lot under him about the game, if not more. Not so says the Danish international.

Matt O’Riley given ‘freedom’ at Celtic under Rodgers

O’Riley has been one of Celtic’s best attackers this season which is strange considering we are not as free-flowing as we once were under Postecoglou.

His 14 goals and 16 assists this season under Rodgers are not far from surpassing his two-season total of 15 goals and 22 assists under Ange. [Transfermarkt]

And here, O’Riley shares why he has been able to do that.

Described as ‘terrific‘ by Jim Duffy, O’Riley said, [Daily Record], “When you have that strong sense of trust from someone, naturally you have more confidence.

“If he trusts you then you have the freedom to express yourself to show your true self on the pitch and I feel I’ve been able to do that this season.

“It’s been a really good. I think I’ve learned more than ever. I’ve been more open-minded, which has allowed me to learn a lot more.

“When things have been tough I’ve been able to bounce back quicker and managed situations better.

“I was never closed-minded but maybe took things more to heart or more personally last season.

“I’ve done a lot of mental work and just have a stronger sense of self-identity. I’ve been more open to information.”

Indeed, this isn’t the first time O’Riley has mentioned the differences between Ange and Rodgers but what is clear is that he is clearly enjoying his time under the Irishman right now.

Scoring in both the Champions League and domestically has made O’Riley one of the hottest properties at Celtic and if he continues to produce until the end of the season, Rodgers will have a job on his hands batting potential suitors away from trying to poach his star midfielder.