Ange Postecoglou Wants Club To Be ‘Aggressive, Not Reactive’ In Transfer Market As He Warns Of Further Big Name Exits

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has once again been very clear in his transfer stance as he reflected on the January transfer window.

The Hoops were once again busy in the window as they brought in four new signings in the form of Yuki Kobayashi, Alistair Johnston, Tomoki Iwata and Oh Hyeon-gyu.

Already, some of these players are making an instant impact since arriving at the club with Johnston being the most impressive as he has seamlessly integrated into the starting eleven.

Postecoglou had warned Celtic fans back at the club’s AGM in November to expect some movement in the window as the club has to be more ‘active’ even though fans live to have their heroes.

The four new arrivals possibly softened the blow after the departures of Josip Juranovic and likely one of Giorgos Giakoumakis who were really the first high-profile exits under Postecoglou’s reign that he had brought to the club.

It could also be said that the league leaders were pretty ruthless during this window as they cut short the loan deals of Moritz Jenz and Oliver Abildgaard and although the manager insists there is no need to sell players last month, the club will always be willing to listen to interesting offers to continually evolve.

“I said to the board we have to be aggressive, not reactive,” said Postecoglou speaking at the pre-match St Johnstone press conference which CeltsAreHere attended.

“There was an opportunity in this window, I had an inkling that at least a couple of significant players would move on, on Josip and particularly Giakoumakis, so I really thought it was important to get ahead of the game there and get in players to replace them.

“If we didn’t lose those players in the window I was comfortable with that as well, as was the club, there wasn’t a need to sell anyone.

“It was a unique opportunity for us, the boys moved on.

“With the business we’ve done, if Giakoumakis goes though, we’ve moved on two players who are 27, 28, and brought in four who are under 24 for an awful less money and I think will make us stronger in the long-term.

“It’s not about forcing players out, obviously there’s going to be opportunities. There is a model this club works on and other clubs work on.

“What we’re trying to do is maximise the potential of our players but there won’t be any intent to move players out.

“But in terms of our players having interest from other clubs, if it’s a good deal for everyone involved, we’ll make sure to be ready for that.”

It’s refreshing to hear the manager say this once again as the club always needs to be one step ahead to maintain success.