In his post-match interview with Celtic TV after the 4-0 win over Ross County, Ange Postecoglou jokingly took exception to Giorgos Giakoumakis being described as Celtic Greek God after his second consecutive home hat-trick, with the manager enquiring if that accolade should not be his own.
And incidentally Tommy Sheridan made a point on his excellent podcast with Frank McGarvey that we reported on last night. Tommy noted that IF Giorgos Giakoumakis can score a hat-trick tomorrow against St Johnstone he will become the first player in Celtic long and unbroken history to score three consecutive hat-tricks in home matches at Celtic Park.
Celtic’s current No.7 spoke to the media yesterday afternoon after being named as the Scottish Premiership’s Player of the Month for March and the the media had a few questions for Ange Postecoglou about our Greek God.
First up was this one. Giorgos Giakoumakis won play of the month for March and has really stepped up in the absence of Kyogo… how important is he and how important will he be in this run-in?
“They’re all important,” answered Ange.”I think what you’ve seen in our season so far is that whenever we needed people to step up and take the opportunity, they’ve done that. Earlier in the year it was different players to now. It’s different ones stepping up.
“The one undeniable fact is that it’s been a collective effort. We haven’t had to rely on one person to an extent where missing them meant our form dipped. Giakoumakis had a great month for sure but others had great months before that and leading into this this final bit the key will be that we’ve got a really good, strong, healthy squad and they’re all wanting to play and the contributions will come from everyone.
Then came this one. Giorgos Giakoumakis said he stands by his comments made earlier in the season about Celtic being the best team – is that kind of confidence that you encourage in your players?
“I don’t tell people what to think,” Ange replied. “The one thing we always say to our players – what I say to them anyway – is that you just speak from the heart, you speak what you feel is the truth in your own mind.
“It’s not about just saying things that might please or upset other people. It’s just if you’re asked the question, be as honest as possible.
“That’s what I try and do and it’s what I encourage the players to do – whatever they feel they should say. I don’t think there’s any harm in that. I don’t think there’s anything wrong in that.
“People sort of get carried away and think that by saying that Giorgos, or anyone else saying that, feels like we’re a good team and that people are going to use that as motivation against us. If that’s what people need to get up against us, then I think they’re missing the key of what we’re about.”
In summary: Ryan Jack, back in his Box.
Watch Ange’s Media Conference below…
