We like to see Celtic players having fun, even when they’re preparing for a game like Ferencvaros on a Tuesday afternoon.
The culture under Ange Postecoglou seems like a lot of hard work, yes, but the players are seemingly enjoying themselves a great deal. Fine, there’s the requisite intensity in sessions for the manager’s system. But in every training video, there are smiles, laughs and sometimes, even quite odd moments.
For example, yesterday, when you can just about make out Albian Ajeti having a joke at Jota’s expense, while a bemused David Turnbull looks on.
In an image so wonderful it should be in the Louvre, you can spot something wonderful happening on the 10 second mark from yesterday’s training footage [Celtic FC].
Is that…? Yes. It’s Albian Ajeti doing Jota’s presumably spontaneous hand flipping celebration behind David Turnbull.
Cynics would argue that it’d be better to see Ajeti doing his own goal celebrations. But park that to the side for a second, and just enjoy it.
Look at David Turnbull. No, really look at him. Is that the face of someone who’s more than used to the Swiss striker’s antics, or is he trying not to laugh for the cameras?
In a session that appeared to lighten the mood of a few players, most notably Kyogo, Callum McGregor and Mikey Johnston, it was great to see the Bhoys gearing up for a tough, unusual European day. All in the typical Lennoxtown rain, too.
Good to see Celtic lads are keeping spirits up before Ferencvaros battle
Remember how grim training looked last season?
In a seemingly endless series of physical drills, the players didn’t look particularly happy, despite the splendour of their surroundings. Under Postecoglou, though, things seem brighter.
Even Ajeti, someone who’s come under heavy criticism, seems to be really enjoying himself. If that’s how expresses his happiness, then so be it.
Interestingly, despite Jota’s likeness to George Michael, he seemed to evoke a different 80s pop act with his celebration on Saturday. Maybe Dead or Alive’s ‘You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)’ was in his head. Only he’ll have known what he was thinking at the time.
And how we’d love to see Jota break out his celebration today at Celtic Park. The on-form Portuguese winger can make it three games in a row if he scores today against Ferencvaros.
Maybe Ajeti can join in from the bench.
Read more: Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou outlines bold European vision
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
