Matt O’Riley yesterday gave an insight into the relationship that he and all the other players enjoys with the Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou ahead of the Australian’s 100th match in charge of the Hoops this evening in the cinch Premiership match against Hearts under the lights at Celtic Park.
We know that Ange seldom if ever goes into the dressing room leaving that as the domain of the players with the leaders in there the likes of Callum McGregor and Joe Hart. And in terms of his coaching Ange keeps his distance there too with an efficient system in place where much of the information going to and from players happens through his coaching staff with John Kennedy, Gavin Strachan and Harry Kewell all playing key roles in the structure that works so well.
Matt O’Riley talked about this yesterday from a player’s point of view and in doing do provided a brilliant insight in how Angeball works behind the scenes.
“He doesn’t actually speak to us much at all,” Matt O’Riley admitted. “At the training ground, he delivers information when he needs to do so, in meetings and on the pitch in pre-match sessions.
“In general, you probably won’t see that much of him. He keeps himself to himself. I think that is so he detaches away from the players to allow him to pick a team without too much emotion. So I can understand his reasoning for that. But at the same time, whenever I have spoken to him he has been very friendly.
“You don’t expect to hear much from him. So when you do you are probably quite grateful that he actually speaks to you, in a way. I think he is careful in terms of when he speaks to you and in saying the right things.
“I have learned a lot of different things from him. I have learned about the system we play. I have learned a lot about myself in terms of adding things to my game, probably being a bit more dynamic physically and running in behind. Things like that.
“He delegates quite well in terms of getting other people to deliver information. I have worked quite well with Gavin, one of our senior coaches here. I have worked quite a lot with him in terms of reviewing games and watching clips.
“He brought me here in the first place to an extent. So I have to give thanks for that, for being able to play for a club like this. He is the reason I am here and I can say ‘thank you’ for that.”
Pushing the launch of Matthew Marr’s debut Celtic book – ‘The BOULD BHOYS – Glory to their name’ back a week to Friday 24 March. Thanks to everyone who has ordered since we announced the book last night via an interview with the author. Please note that all pre-ordered books will be personally signed by Matthew Marr and you can order below if you’d like a signed copy posted out to you 24 March.
READ THIS...‘The Bould Bhoys – Glory to their name’ by Matthew Marr
