The myth about Ange Postecoglou and Celtic we can put to bed

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The Celtic defence has come under serious criticism this season.

During a difficult spell prior to the international break, it got to the point that pundits were openly calling for Ange Postecoglou to change his footballing style, while the manager faced a barrage of media questions suggesting he should be more pragmatic.

Yet, we sit here this evening with Celtic having the joint-best defensive record in the Scottish Premiership off the back of two consecutive league clean sheets. And Postecoglou has barely changed his approach. In fact, we’re scoring heavily at the other end, far more than any other team.

The Bhoys have only conceded six goals in ten league matches this term, rivalling Dundee United for the best record of any team in the division. I don’t recall the defenders of other sides such as Hearts or Rangers getting dragged through the media mud. I don’t remember journalists questioning whether Steven Gerrard should be more pragmatic.

Yes, against a higher quality of opposition it’s been difficult. The home match against Bayer Leverkusen was the most notable example. But let’s get some perspective here.

Celtic aren’t defensively shambolic. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt are increasingly looking like solid signings. Their partnership is improving week on week.

I’m not saying that the Bhoys are the finished article by any means. I do think that the defensive unit as a whole needs more work on their distribution and playing out from the back. But we’re getting there and most Celtic fans can see it.

It’s time to put an end to the tiring narrative that Postecoglou is too gung-ho for Scottish football and that he is sacrificing results for footballing philosophy. That simply has no merit.

Easter Road on Wednesday is another big test for Celtic. The Bhoys haven’t won at that venue in the league in the last seven attempts. There’s every chance it will be a difficult night. But this is still a process and we have to have trust that the manager has us heading in the right direction.

In other news, “You can go down that rabbit hole”; Ange Postecoglou on refereeing decisions at Celtic Park.