Ange Postecoglou believes that by March 2022 his stumbling start to life as Celtic manager will be almost forgotten.
The excitement and promise shown in August as Angeball enthralled the returning support has ground to a halt with Celtic trailing domestically, pointless in Europe and with unwelcome comparisons to Tony Mowbray and John Barnes being made.
Last Sunday Postecoglou mentioned the weird league that some were calling in September but twice in the last five years the champions have gone 38 matches unbeaten. So far this season Celtic have lost three out of seven games in the SPFL.
Eye-catching, attractive football has still been on offer but it also leaves a very vulnerable defence with the tactics and players deployed looking like an uncomfortable match.
Postecoglou certainly isn’t short on self-belief. No matter the results, set-backs and criticism he retains complete conviction about his approach, telling the Daily Record:
It’s up to me to show the way forward. That’s why I’m here and I will. All I need is a few to keep us moving forward and the rest will buy in.
I’m really passionate about this and I’m not going to shy away from the fight. It’s all-consuming for me but that doesn’t mean that it gets me in a space where I’m not positive, not thinking clearly or not enjoying it.
Bizarrely I love this part of it, which people won’t understand. But I’m hoping that in six months’ time, when they look back, they will know why I have been so resolute and persistent about what we are doing.
Postecoglou may have plans for spring-time but three points tomorrow at Aberdeen are absolutely essential if he is to avoid any more Celtic fans questioning when they will see the benefits of Angeball.
