“They will get to the top of the game,” Ange on ‘determined’ Kyogo and Hatate

“We’re in good form, playing great football, scoring goals and ticking some big boxes in the way we’re going,” a very satisfied Ange Postecoglou said at his media conference today as he assessed where his squad is currently at as we look towards the business end of the season with the League Cup already back in the trophy cabinet.

After last week’s 3-0 win away to Hearts in the Scottish Cup quarter final it’s back to the Scottish Premiership action tomorrow when Hibs are the visitors to Celtic Park for the 3pm kick-off which is a 60,000 sell-out. After that we go into the International break, which has been making the news all week for one reason or another and the Celtic manager is hoping that there will be no loss of momentum ahead of the return against Ross County up in Dingwall at the start of April.

Indeed the Celtic manager is planning on using the break to further improve his team’s performances.

“You don’t know how the break will go, some are on international duty, others are here and we can put work into them. As always, we will use this time to prepare the team for what’s left in the season and make sure we finish the season strong.

“We used the World Cup break really well and that’s evident in our form and performances and the idea is to use this break to finish the season strong.

“For the most part, I see it (international football) as a positive. Daizen Maeda, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Alistair Johnston and Aaron Mooy, their form since going to the World Cup has been outstanding and I think that’s because they went there, did well, and came back here with a renewed sense of who they are.

“I think international football does that for sure and unless there’s an injury, which can happen anytime, then I’m encouraged to see them go away because I think they come back with more belief in themselves.”

As we have already reported Ange Postecoglou gave his thoughts on the Japan manager’s decision to overlook Reo Hatate and Kyogo – who have both been outstanding for Celtic this season – and he even took a wee pop at the quality of the Scottish Premiership.

“I try and help them be the best they can be and make sure they are in a good space in whatever challenges they face in their footballing careers,” Ange said as he answered a question about the two Japanese stars.

“If you look at the way they have responded to not being included in the World Cup squad they are playing football better than ever. They are both really determined young men and they will get to the top of the game in one way or another and my role in that is to help them.

“The way they are both playing I think if they were away they would show the form they are in. They’re here with us now and we will use that to make sure they’re ready once the league starts.”

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About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who 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

1 Comment

  1. peter mccartin on

    off -piste (not neccessarily for publication) let’s talk about james mccarthy:who sanctioned this ludicrous signing,on a mind-boggling four year deal?IF mccarthy is,as he purports to be ,a true Celt then why doesn’t he do the honourable thing and sign for say,hibs or dundee or whoever.how many more MILLONS does this guy want? AVARICE doesn’t even start to describe it. ps: don’t even start me on forest (3 year deal) it totally galls me that this guy is one of our TOP trophy winners,up there withCAESER,JINKY,BUZZ BOMB and BROONY.rant over.yours,emotionally Celtic.