GIORGOS GIAKOUMAKIS had a tough start to life at Celtic. The striker arrived at Celtic with a lot of expectations on his shoulders; after all, you’re not the top goal scorer in the Dutch top flight for nothing.
It was tough for the Greek; he was having trouble with his knee and required surgery on it. However, he wouldn’t let this get in the way of making a name for himself.
After he returned to full fitness, he stated that his season started ‘now’ in January. It’s safe to say that the striker has been the best in Scotland since then, without a doubt.
Postecoglou was full of praise for Giakoumakis’ play and personality. It does take a great character to block out the noise and keep his head down to prove doubters wrong.
“Giako had a disrupted time in the first few years of his professional career. Ange told the Sun.
Sometimes when that happens it just means they blossom a bit later and hit their peak a bit later. Hopefully his best years are well ahead of him, not just in the next couple.
“He had a great season in Holland last year and that brought him to the attention of a lot of clubs, not just us.
“From our perspective, when I looked at him, the type of player he was and then spoke to him and realised the type of person he was, I thought he would be a good fit. It has worked out well for him. Sometimes in football these things are about timing or opportunity.
“When he missed the penalty against Livi that wasn’t a great way to start his Celtic career. What was important was how he reacted, because that pressure was never going to change.
“That’s the expectation when you are a striker here and you have to embrace that responsibility. Giako wanted that and that’s why he is getting the rewards.”
His penalty miss against Livingston had many fans seriously questioning the signing of the player, but now those fans are debating who starts, Giako or Kyogo?
