Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side have a very specific way of playing football and the Australian has called on his side to have no fear heading into the match against RB Leipzig.
This game is a huge opportunity to right the wrongs of the disappointing 3-1 defeat in Germany last week as Celtic were punished for once again not taking their chances.
The players are still adjusting and learning in the competition with Postecoglou being clear to make Celtic once again a success in the Champions League it will take time.
Postecoglou look visibly frustrated after the game last week with his side entering self-preservation mode after Jota pulled Celtic level just after the half time interval.
Although Joe Hart made a blunder for the second Leipzig goal, that was the least of Postecoglou’s problems as he admitted afterwards that if it wasn’t Hart making the error it would have been someone else.
Once the Hoops had pulled themselves back into the game, they continued to remain cautious with balls needlessly going backwards.
It may be human nature at times to settle for what you’ve got but Postecoglou strives for more and has assured his players that if they have that inner self belief that it will give them every opportunity of success.
He has reminded them what that’s all about and is prepared to take responsibility if things don’t quite go Celtic’s way.
“It’s not easy. Again, it’s human nature, particularly with the group of players we have. They’re still experiencing something new,” said Ange Postecoglou quoted by the Daily Record.
“It’s by trying to show them that they have protection if things go wrong. I’ll take the responsibility for it. Don’t fear.
“It’s only human nature that, playing away from home in a Champions League game and you’ve equalised, you feel like you are really in the game. You’ll tighten up a little bit and think, ‘Jeez, a point in Leipzig would be brilliant! We don’t want to give away this point Instead of passing forward, maybe I’ll just hit the safe pass. Instead of making a run forward, maybe I’ll just sit here in case we lose the ball.’
“So, that’s all part of the process. It’s just human nature. It’s about trying to show the players and get them to understand that’s not the way we’ve set up to play, it’s not going to help us in our endeavour to be successful. And if it does go wrong in doing what I want them to do then I’ll take responsibility.”
