Ange Postecoglou spoke to Celtic TV yesterday to preview tomorrow night’s Europa League match against Bayer Leverkusen at Celtic Park. The Celtic manager is currently enduring a poor run of results and an injury crisis that has left him short of options in midfield and attack but nevertheless is approaching this match with optimism. These big European games, after all are among the main reasons that the Australian uprooted his family from Japan to head to Scotland.
In the 4-3 defeat in Seville to Real Betis, Postecoglou became the first Australian to manager a side in the Europa League group stages. Tomorrow he’ll be looking for another milestone, the first Australian manager to win a match in the Europa League Group stages.
“I’m sure it will be a fantastic occasion, our first home game against a quality opponent, which I’m sure the fans and the whole squad are super excited about,” Postecoglou said on Celtic TV. “We want to play these games and really test ourselves. They’re a quality opponent and we’ll go out there with the same intention as we did against Betis away, and that’s to go at them and try be aggressive and attacking, and with the crowd behind us, hopefully we can create something special.”
On the quality opposition the Celtic manager had this say: “They’ve been a strong Bundesliga outfit for a number of years now and great pedigree as well.
“So if you start looking for strengths, you’ll find them everywhere and that’s why we’re in this competition – to play against the very best. But the important thing for us is that, irrespective of their strengths, we bring what we can to the game and put them under pressure.”
Celtic Park on the big European nights, especially under the lights, create a world famous atmosphere that is widely respected across the game and the Celtic manager won’t be alone in looking forward to taking part in the three group stage matches – two under the lights – starting with Leverkusen tomorrow evening (kick-off is 8pm).
“I’ve had a little bit of experience now against AZ and Jablonec,” Ange said, “but I’ve got a feeling Thursday night will be special.
“And I think for us, it’s important that we put on a performance that gets our fans excited and gives them hope moving forward, so we understand that responsibility. But together, fans and the team, we can make another special night.”
📹 Ange Postecoglou praises Liel Abada and Jota’s instant impact as he previews #UEL action against @bayer04_en 🇩🇪
Our exclusive interview with the manager will be available to subscribers from 6pm on #CelticTV!#CELB04 | #UEL pic.twitter.com/NL8sON0klr
— Celtic TV (@CelticTV) September 28, 2021
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