CELTIC boss Ange Postecoglou has made it clear that he is looking to add quality to his squad this summer, with the manager having identified areas for improvement.
Despite the absence of Cameron Carter–Vickers, Postecoglou is content with the strength and depth of his backline, with Yuki Kobayashi, Stephen Welsh and Tomoki Iwata all able to fill in.
The Japanese midfielder is versatile, and can play at the back if need be.
The Parkhead boss has already made plans for the summer window, and is hopeful that the Hoops will emerge from it in a stronger position than when they entered.
Ange Postecoglou said: [Football Scotland]
“We‘ve had challenges this year. People forget we have had Champions League games with both Carl Starfelt and Cameron out at different times. Greg Taylor has missed out as well. Tony Ralston has been out.
“But we‘ve had guys come in and they‘ve been able to cover, whether that was the likes of Alexandro Bernabei or Moritz Jenz.
“We then replaced Moritz with Kobayashi. The whole rationale behind that was to allow him time to bed in and understand our football.
“Whenever we have called upon Yuki I think he‘s done really well. He‘s improved every time he‘s had an opportunity.
“He‘s done a lot of work with John to improve himself so that he‘s ready when his chance arises. But Tomoki Iwata can play as a centre–back or as a full–back too.
“So I think we are fine there for the moment. In terms of the summer, the plans are already in place. We want to improve and be stronger. Where those areas are, we have identified.
“At the same time we have to be really alert in the summer to make sure that if we need to replace somebody then we are ready to do that.
“Where we are as a team at the moment – I think we have done a fair bit of work since I arrived in the four or five transfer windows I‘ve had.
“So the core of the squad will not change for next season. You are looking at areas where we can strengthen and I think there are a couple at least.
“But you don‘t know going into a summer window where else you might be affected. What we are going to do is make sure we are ready whatever the outcome is.
“Our goal is to come out of the next window stronger than when we went into it. That is what we have done with every window and this one won‘t be any different.”
Ange Postecoglou is looking to build a squad that can compete at the highest level in Europe.
While we may have some top-quality players at the club who are brilliant for the Scottish league, the boss has stated that he’ll be ruthless and won’t hesitate to move those on who arent able to compete in the Champions League.
