“There are still one or two areas I’m looking to strengthen,” Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou confirmed this evening that he’s still on the look-out for another couple of signings while the Celtic manager was happy to hail the outstanding business already done in securing the both Cameron Carter Vickers and Jota on permanent contracts while adding to the quality of the squad with the signings of Alexandro Bernabei and Ben Siegrist.

Speaking after the 7-0 pre-season opener against Austrian minnows SC Wiener Viktoria (read our match report HERE), Ange went out of his way to explain once again the process that he goes through both in terms of bringing players into the club and also regarding current players at Celtic who may choose to leave for pastures new.

On the possibility of new signings Ange said, as reported by Daily Record: “I still think there are one two areas where we need some more robustness in terms of the squad, just some quality in depth. I wouldn’t expect too many but there are still one or two areas I’m looking to strengthen knowing what’s ahead for us.

On the transfer activity done by the club so far Ange had this to say: “It has been good so far. It has been pretty well chronicled that 12 months ago it was chaotic. In January and now we are working in a way that we know what we are after. We identify targets and then make sure we take the time to get the ones we want, so that has been good.

It was very pleasing to get Jota and Cam on board permanently. They were massive contributors last season and we think there is more in them. To get them on-board is great and with Alexandro and Benji coming in that helps with the quality across the board.

“We are definitely looking to bring in one or two more before the window closes. Again it is about identifying what we want and making sure they fit all aspects and we are working towards that.”

On media tags of prime targets or back-ups second choice players if the first choice target falls through Ange clarified his way of working does not fit within that perceived business model: “I know you guys like to speculate about prime and secondary, but look, I said last year the ones we got we did pretty good getting and the ones we don’t get are the ones that don’t work out for a number of reasons.

“So, whilst we have an interest in a lot of players, I’ve always said for me there’s got to be certain things that come together for a deal to be done. There’s a lot of good players out there. But are they a good fit for our football club? Do they want to be at our football club?

“If any way along this way I get a sense that doesn’t happen then we’re happy to move on to the next one. We don’t have primary targets. We know what we need and we’ve identified some players who potentially could fit in that mould. But like I said, we won’t go into that final stage with anyone else at the moment until I’m convinced they’re coming to the football club for the right reasons.”

On squad size and possible departures in the summer transfer window, Ange said: “It’s a big squad, and we’re going to need a big squad. We’ll probably play 60 games this year, and with the World Cup break it’s going to be a pretty congested schedule either side of it. So, we’re going to need a strong squad, but in terms of players departing it’s no different to last year.

“I’m pretty comfortable with it, that will all take care of itself. The ones who see their futures elsewhere or are looking for opportunities elsewhere, if that comes along it comes along. At the moment, whoever is in the squad, I treat them as if they are going to stay in the squad, unless they say otherwise.”

Ange also spoke to Celtic TV immediately after the 7-0 win this evening and you can watch that interview below…

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds 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

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