Bring it on – Others might moan but Ange revels in Celtic’s Festive Fixture Pile-up

Ange Postecoglou has been looking ahead at Celtic’s incredibly busy end to 2021 and is actually looking forward to the volume of matches that have to be played between now and the 2 January 2022, after which the winter break kicks in and there will be a chance to rest some weary legs.

In December Celtic will play NINE times as indeed will our opponents in the BERTIE AULD Cup Final Hibs.

The remaining November fixtures are these. Celtic play Bayer Leverkusen away on Thursday night before facing Aberdeen at Celtic Park on Sunday.

Then we move into the incredibly busy month of December which starts with the visit of Hearts to Paradise on Thursday 2 December then on Sunday 5 December Celtic travel to Tannadice for the noon kick-off. Please note that Celtic FC Women play Glasgow City in the SWPL League Cup Final that afternoon at Firhill with a 4.10pm kick-off, so you can watch the Hoops on TV then head over to Firhill for the Final to cheer on the Ghirls in Green and watch Fran Alonso go mental when Celtic score! Tickets are only £8 for adults and £2 for concessions and are available to purchase HERE.

Celtic FC Manager, Fran Alonso celebrates his sides win during the Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup match between Celtic Women and Hibernian at Forthbank Stadium, Stirling, Scotland on 14/11/2021.

Back to the Bhoys in December, after that tricky match at Tannadice it’s back to Europa League action with Real Betis coming to Celtic Park on Thursday 9 December in what might be a shoot-out for a place in the knock-out round. Motherwell are the visitors to Celtic Park Sunday 12 December then it’s the start of a series of four matches away from Paradise for the troops starting with Ross County up in Dingwall on Wednesday 15 December with a 7.45pm kick-off.

Then it’s the BERTIE AULD Cup Final on Sunday 19 December at Hampden – kick-off is 3pm for that one. We’re away to St Mirren on Wednesday 22 December (7.45pm) then it’s the Boxing Day trip back up the A9 to Perth to play St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park with a 12.30pm kick-off.

20th November 2021; Hampden Park, Glasgow City, Scotland; Scottish League Cup semi-final, Celtic versus St Johnstone; Anthony Ralston and Josip Juranovic of Celtic party with the fans after the final whistle

2021 rounds off with the visit of Hibs to Celtic Park on Wednesday 29 December (7.45pm) and then it’s into the New Year were the action starts with the Glasgow derby against theRangers on 2 January where the action starts at midday. Then it’s the winter break and a few weeks rest for everyone!

Talking about this run of fixtures the Celtic manager seems to be taking it all in his stride, he’s actually looking forward to it.

“It’s been on the horizon. I put off looking at it too closely for a little while. But I’ve had a good look and there’s a lot of games and a significant period for us in many respects,” Postecoglou said, as reported by Scottish Sun. “It’s one we are going to have to work our way through and try to keep improving our football knowing that we are going to have to maintain a real high level of consistency.

“It’s a significant period but I think the players will enjoy it. All those kinds of things in the context of, if you are doing well, then you love playing games. There’s pressure on Santa Claus and us to make Christmas runs smoothly!” Ange added, clearly getting the significance of these games for the supporters.

For Christmas Day Celtic will train during the day then the players will stay at their usual hotel ahead of a visit to Perth so it’s a big sacrifice being away from the family on 25 December. “I think for the most part players accept that’s part of it. You like to think you are almost like an extended family here.

“You have Christmas morning with your real family and then share it with your Celtic family in the afternoon,” Ange added. “That’s the responsibility we have. We are all in a privileged position of doing what we love and are passionate about.

“These things that come along that most people don’t normally have to contend with are a small price to pay for what we do.”

Click here to order Harry Hood – Twice as Good direct from the official online Celtic store or pick up your copy from any Celtic store. This photograph is from the Livingston store…

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

1 Comment

  1. I have never got upset about a fixture pile up. Players, particularly Celtic players, should be able to play two games a week! And it gives you less time to feel sorry for yourself if you have a bad loss. It keeps the momentum going if you win. Hibs can moan all they want about ill treatment; I say, bring it on!