Former legendary Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has been discussing how impressed he is with current Celtic leader Ange Postecoglou’s perseverance with the attacking style he likes to utilise and the 69-year-old Irishman has detailed the respect he has for the Australian for sticking to his principles.
O’Neill has said that it was obvious during the summer how big a challenge the new manager would have on his hands, with a complete rebuild needed following a horrendous season that ended with Celtic failing to win any trophies.
Regarding Celtic’s progress under Postecoglou, the former Ireland manager stated:
“Very good indeed, excellent. From a stodgy start, domestically it’s been really good.
“Looking in from a distance, it seemed a big rebuild was required. It was important that some of the good players stayed on, like Callum McGregor, and some of the players he has brought in have done wonderfully well.
“Sticking to your beliefs as a manager is important. That’s where Ange gains a great deal of respect for me because he stuck with it and believed in it.
“At the start, when results weren’t really there, you start to think maybe he needs to go with a different emphasis or a change of direction, but, no, he stuck to his beliefs and it’s bearing fruit domestically. It can be very difficult to do that when results are not going so well, so well done to Ange.”
Celtic extended their lead in the title race on Sunday as they beat Dundee 3-2 at Parkhead shortly after theRangers had slipped up once more as they yet again dropped points on the road, this time at Tannadice against Dundee United.
As reported by Daily Record, the Derry man added: “It was a big win for Celtic on Sunday after theRangers couldn’t get the win against Dundee United.
“There’s a long way to go yet, but they’ve got the three-point lead and the better goal difference. I’m quite sure Rangers will not give it up easily.
“Having done so brilliantly against Dortmund, they will still feel as if they’ve got a real chance.”
O’Neill is correct to say the race to win this season’s league title is far from over but Celtic are in the position now where it’s in their own hands. The one thing that this team has proved is that they can handle the pressure, the amount of points we have won during the latter stages of games shows we have a winning mentality.
Results like Sundays will be a hammer blow to our city rivals, who must be sick of seeing us pull out wins late in the game. Long may it continue.
Conall McGinty
