Postecoglou left ‘ really disappointed’ despite victory for his side
ANGE POSTECOGLOU was left “really disappointed” with passages of Celtic’s play despite a 2- 1 win over Livingston.
The Parkhead manager admitted he was left displeased in moments during the cinch Premiership win even if they did restore their lead over Rangers at the top of the table.
“The result is positive but I thought the performance wasn’t one of our best,” Postecoglou said. “First half was okay, we controlled the game the way we wanted to, but I was just really disappointed that we got into some great areas, some great balls across the box but we didn’t have bodies in there.
“Part of our principles of play is to make sure people hit certain areas when the ball is in wide areas and they weren’t doing it today. It’s disappointing because that is the discipline we need. Second half it was okay but we never quite got to grips with totally dominating the game we wanted to.”
The result restores the nine- point gap at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, but Postecoglou branded the points difference “irrelevant” as he demanded Celtic continue to play in his style.
“It doesn’t matter, nine points clear,” he told BBC Sportsound. That’s irrelevant to what we want to be and the way we want to play. We want to play our football a certain way and we can’t go away from that. Ultimately we have won another game of football and we need to make sure we keep doing that on the back of strong performances.”
Liel Abada put in another standout performance, but Postecoglou shut down a poser on whether the player could request increased game time.
He commented: “No, that’s not the way it works, mate. You don’t put in requests for game time, it’s all earned. He’s done very well, the most important thing with Liel is that he is constantly improving and wants to improve – every day he is looking to be a better player.”
Meanwhile, David Martindale hailed his players for a resolute defensive display despite defeat at Parkhead.
The Livingston boss was disappointed with the manner of the goals conceded but praised his players for their commitment to the cause.
“It was a fair outcome. I think you have got to give Celtic credit,” said Martindale.
“I think we were a little bit unlucky not to get anything else but I wouldn’t say we deserved more from the game.
“We were always in the game. I am disappointed in the manner of the two goals because it is an area of the park we work extremely hard on defensively.
“We should have done better in a few counterattack situations ourselves. But I am really proud of the players, I thought they stuck to their task very well.
“It’s not as easy as people say, even if it’s called parking the bus, it’s game management in my eyes. The game awareness, tactical awareness and discipline to carry out that shape and be comfortable defending is a lot more difficult than probably fans give it credit for. I think the players have got to take huge credit.”
Postecoglou, meanwhile, has hinted Celtic could bring in another two players ahead of the January transfer window.
Celtic have already signed both Yuki Kobayashi and Alistair Johnston to five- year deals ahead of the January transfer window.
The duo linked up with their new club earlier this month and were unveiled at Parkhead ahead of the match against Livingston. They will be available for selection from January 1. And it appears Postecoglou will further add to his squad as he admitted work is ongoing regarding further incomings in the transfer window next month.
“I’ve said all along that we are constantly working,” Postecoglou said. “We’re not into January yet and I’m really pleased with the two lads that we’ve brought in so far.
“It’s fair to say that we’re working on a couple of others.”