Ange Postecoglou’s longtime ally Peter Cklamovski has insisted Celtic will not approach the Champions League campaign recklessly this season.
There has been an underlying narrative over the past few months that Celtic are set to be torn apart in the UEFA tournament this season, with Postecoglou no doubt sticking to their tactical weapons rather than drastically changing their approach .
However, Cklamovski, who has worked with Ange in Australia and Japan, believes the Celtic boss will also urge the team to take their defensive priorities seriously. Postecoglou’s style of football is not all for show, the manager sees it first and foremost as the most functional way to get results.
Speaking to The Times, he said: “They play a certain way not because he likes the way he looks, but because it’s successful. If you can bring that style, whoever it is, it’s 11 v 11, a game of football. Angel’s football is attacking and aggressive, and the way Celtic play is fantastic to watch. They will try to do that in the Champions League too.
“But in all of this, don’t be naive enough to think they’re not ready to defend the box and be strong when they need it to get through periods of play: they did that last year at a few times while well. It’s built into their game. Of course, they want to dominate as much as they can, but when it’s time to roll up their sleeves, they will know how to do it.
“The Champions League journey will be the same as we saw in the Scottish Premiership. Look to attack and dominate as much as possible, take the game from the opponent to look to hurt them. I know deep down from him that he wants Real Madrid at Celtic Park, and if that happens he will want to bring it to them.
It is undoubtedly going to be difficult for Celtic in Europe this season. The evidence suggests we face an uphill battle to finish third, let alone second, in the group. Our performance against Bodo/Glimt in the second half of the last quarter doesn’t really inspire confidence either.
Nevertheless, I do not fear what awaits me. I can’t wait to see Postecoglou Celtic embark on an exciting and dramatic six-game series against the continent’s best. We know the manager won’t hold back or be overly pragmatic, so the debate shouldn’t be whether he will or not, but whether the team can deliver on their ambition.
Ultimately, it’s just about proving it on the pitch, cutting out all the inevitable noise that ensues about Celtic’s chances.
In other news, “He offers something different”; The early Celtic impact and influence of Harry Kewell.
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