Celtic TV have posted Ange Postecoglou’s first interview of 2022 and it’s a cracker!…
Ange Postecoglou spoke to Celtic TV in what was his first interview of the New Year. The Celtic manager spoke about enjoying a week off work relaxing with his family but “staying local” and of course overseeing the final preparations for the three new signing who were all announced on Hogmanay, fulfilling the manager’s promise to get the main transfer business in this window done as soon as he possibly could.
Ange talked through the qualities of all three signings from the J-League – Daizen Maeda from Yokohama F. Marinos, Yosuke Ideguchi from Gamba Osaka and Reo Hatate from Kawasaki Frontale – and revealed that he’d initially wanted to bring Daizen over to Celtic in the summer but reluctantly accepted that with mid-season complications he’d have to wait until January which is the close-season in Japanese football.
“I knew that in our summer window, the ability to attract Japanese players was going to be a challenge, but I knew the January window was one we could work on,” Ange said.
“Everyone at the club worked awfully hard to get the deals done and we had great co-operation from the Japanese clubs involved and their representatives, and I’m really pleased we managed to get them over so early.
“I think they’ll be an important part of what we’re trying to build here, so from our perspective, they’re here for the long term and we hope they can be successful in the years ahead.
“I know Daizen well. He’s a really determined character who wants to improve. He’s one that knows our style of play and I was keen to bring him in during the summer. I know his attributes and I think he will do well for us.
Yosuke is someone I followed and scouted from my time in the Australian national team,” he said. “He’s an exciting young talent and a guy I’m really pleased to bring in and work with.
For Daizen, I can see there’s unfinished business for him from his time in Europe and he wanted to get another opportunity.
It’s an added bonus that Yosuke and Daizen have experience playing in Europe and I like the fact they went back to Japan with the intent of proving themselves and going again.’
“It’s a very different culture in Japan and for a lot of Japanese players that first move across can be pretty challenging. It’s not about trying to create a unique environment for them, they know they’re here to represent this football club and they know the challenges involved.
“The whole group will be happy to get three quality footballers to help us on our path.”
And on Reo Hatate, Ange gave his assessment on why he wanted to sign the player, revealed the position he’ll be playing at Celtic and the huge upside in his game.
“Reo is a player I watched develop in Japan. His old team Kawasaki Frontale have been the outstanding team in the J-League for the last five years with some ridiculous talent in their ranks and Reo is one of them.
He’s had a lot of success playing for a club that wants to win every week, which sounds similar to this club. He has the right character and I think he will develop over time,” Ange told the club’s own TV channel.
“In terms of position, he’s a midfielder. He’s an attacking midfielder. He’s one I think will develop over time. He’s only had two years of senior football after the university system. He has a lot of upsides. I’m excited to start work with him.
“Yosuke is someone I followed and scouted from my time in the Australian national team,” Ange said. “He’s an exciting young talent and a guy I’m really pleased to bring in and work with.
“For Daizen, I can see there’s unfinished business for him from his time in Europe and he wanted to get another opportunity.
“It’s an added bonus that Yosuke and Daizen have experience playing in Europe and I like the fact they went back to Japan with the intent of proving themselves and going again.’
“It’s a very different culture in Japan and for a lot of Japanese players that first move across can be pretty challenging. It’s not about trying to create a unique environment for them, they know they’re here to represent this football club and they know the challenges involved.
The whole group will be happy to get three quality footballers to help us on our path.”
In terms of the transfer window there’s still interest in players leaving and coming through the door as Ange promises to “stay alert” to all opportunities and developments before the window slams shut.
“Not too busy, but you’ve got to stay agile through this period,” Age answered when asked about further business in the January window. “We’ve had a couple of players go out on-loan which is also important. So we’re looking at the squad through the whole January window.
“We’ll make sure that what we need – if it’s available – we’ll bring in. And with the existing squad we’ll make sure we continue to develop our football.
“I don’t expect it to be too hectic but we’ll stay alert and make sure, if the right thing comes along, both in terms of incomings and outgoings, we’ll be able to move.”
Ange also spoke about not enjoying the game at St Johnstone as there were so few fans there, just 500 allowed in line with the Scottish Government guidelines. So the decision to push back the winter break, Postecoglou feels, was the correct one as it looks increasingly like supporters will be back starting with the game against Hibs a week on Monday.
Ange also revealed that Christopher Jullien is now fully fit and training with the squad and will be given game-time over the next few weeks. On the ‘walking wounded’ who limped into the winter break Ange is confident most will be back by the time the action gets underway next Monday. “We expect the majority to be up and running and available when the season restarts,” the Celtic manager said.
There’s plenty more in there to take in so have a listen and hear for yourselves…
🍿 The boss gives his first interview of 2022 reflecting on the break and looking ahead to the next part of the season.
🇯🇵 #JapaneseBhoys
2️⃣ Christopher Jullien’s return
↔️ Transfer window thoughts📺 Watch Full Interview on YouTube ⤵️#CelticFC | #COYBIG | @CelticTV 🍀
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 7, 2022
