Celtic ran out 7-0 winners in their first game of pre-season this evening and the manager seemed fairly pleased with the performance.
Friendly matches early on in the calendar are very hard to judge players in with Postecoglou playing a hybrid type team featuring some first team regulars alongside academy boys.
The gaffer hasn’t had much time to work with all the players as those on international duty only returned back this week which saw many of the first team players watch the game from the stand.
Celtic were clinical and with the way the scoreline was going in the first half it looked as though we were headed for a full time cricket result.
There was a lot of nice football on show with some slick movement on and off the ball with the usual quick rotations which we have become used to watching.
“Yeah, it was okay, obviously we’ve just started pre-season. The boys we played today are the ones who came in earlier and sort of had an extra week under their belt,” said Ange Postecoglou speaking to Celtic TV.
“Had a couple of good days here, obviously the boys are working hard, we’re not going into these friendly games feeling fresh because we’re pushing the boys hard.
“Considering all that I thought the intent and the effort was good, particularly in the first half, yeah pleased with the overall effort.”
Celtic’s next test is against Rapid Vienna on Saturday which will be a much tougher game. It is likely that we will see more first team stars return to the team.
The core of the team that went on to win the league last season didn’t get to experience this high intensity pre-season training which is likely to stand the Hoops in good shape heading into the new campaign.
Tomorrow the players will again get put through their paces as they look towards the next game. The manager isn’t getting overly excited and will constantly be looking at ways to improve the team.
“It’s about everything, it’s about fitness, it’s about playing our football and the standards we set. Everything is included.
“Irrespective whether it’s the first game or last game of pre-season you just want to make a mark with everything we do. As I said for the most part it was positive today.”
The Celtic B team players are worth a mention as they all did themselves no harm tonight. This is a great experience for them all and something I’m sure they are currently relishing.
