Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou spoke to the Scottish Mainstream Media earlier this afternoon with a Hungarian journalist getting in on the act with the final two questions.
Ange opened by stating that Anthony Ralston’s new 4 year contract at Celtic was well deserved with the manager noting that it had been an easy process. Ange noted that Ralston “loves this football club and has been rewarded for his form and the way he has gone about things” this season, noting that the player is “committed totally to this football club.”
After the disruptive consequences of having non-committed players in our ranks last season – the aptly named wantaways – Ralston’s attitude is clearly preferential.
Postecoglou confirmed that Carl Starfelt, who he noted has played in every game since arriving at the club, is going to miss the next two games (Ferencváros tomorrow night and trip to Dundee on Sunday) but should be back after the international break, ie in a similar situation to Tom Rogic.
Stephen Welsh or Nir Bitton will cover but these games are two early for Christopher Jullien. From listening to Ange today, the likely debut for Starfelt is going to be Welsh.
The manager noted that other than Starfelt, everyone from the weekend is fine, and pointed out that James Forrest came through his comeback with no problems and will be available for selection tonight.
He was asked about James McCarthy and Liam Scales and conformed both would be on the bench in Budapest. Ferencváros are a decent side and Ange reckons that Celtic have a real challenge to come out on top in the second meeting of this sides. He is disappointed that no Celtic Supporters are going to be admitted to the stadium tomorrow evening saying that it’s “disappointing for our supporters and disappointing for the atmosphere.”
The Celtic manager reckons that there’s a chance that Celtic can emerge from this group to the knock-out rounds of the Europa League, even after losing the first two matches, and a second win against Ferencváros would not damage his side’s chances.
European football remains important to Celtic as it proved great opportunities for the players to develop. Ange reminded the hacks that this is a new team, trying to play a certain way while fitting in new players” but they can develop as players and as a team by playing at this level. Even in defeat in Seville against Real Betis in the opening match in the group stages, Ange noted that his team developed as a consequence of taking the game to a very fine Spanish side who edged out Celtic by the odd goal in seven.
You can watch Ange’s Media Conference below. No news yet as to when the Celtic Fan Media will be admitted although there is progress and things should kick-off in the not too distant future.
