A SHINING EXAMPLE
Postecoglou full of praise for former favourite Frimpong as he urges Celts to make the most of key clashes with United and Leverkusen
IN THE aftermath of the League Cup final in 2019, Jeremie Frimpong uttered three words which endeared him to Celtic supporters. ‘Oh my days’, he said. Quite. The right-back had been sent off in the showpiece at Hampden three minutes after Neil Lennon’s side had taken the lead against Rangers.
Second best on the day and relying on the brilliance of goalkeeper Fraser Forster, who saved Alfredo Morelos’ penalty after Frimpong’s dismissal for conceding the spot-kick, the Parkhead side somehow ended that rain-soaked December day with their tenth domestic trophy in a row.
It was an experience which left the Dutchman relieved but also able to revel in a period of dominance for Celtic following his arrival from Manchester City in September 2019.
A Premiership title and Scottish Cup were added to his personal honours before he departed for Bayer Leverkusen in January this year for a fee of £11.5million.
All being well, the 20-year-old will reunite with familiar faces in Glasgow on Thursday when Celtic and the Germans clash in the Europa League.
Ange Postecoglou may not have been around to witness Frimpong’s performances in green and white but the Celtic manager recognises the development that the player gained at Celtic and the opportunities that exist for the club’s current crop to shine.
‘Leverkusen are a very strong team with some outstanding players in the group,’ said the Australian. ‘One of those players Celtic fans will already be familiar with is Jeremie Frimpong.
‘He has done really well. He did well here and I think he would be the first to say his time with Celtic helped him in his career. We gave him that platform on which to perform. He did so and he got a great move after it.
‘Anyone who passes through this club is part of our history and I am sure he would acknowledge that.’
Postecoglou can’t allow his mind to drift too far ahead, with a Premiership clash against Dundee United at Parkhead today before Celtic’s first home match in Group G of the Europa League.
Now over three months into the job, the former Yokohama F Marinos boss is reflecting on a whirlwind journey which has left him in no doubt as to the challenges and expectations in the east end of Glasgow.
Following the loss at Livingston last week, Postecoglou must deliver three points against United to keep the fans happy. Bouncing back from an opening group loss against Real Betis will be crucial, too.
Postecoglou acknowledges that winning homes games in Europe is vital, adding: ‘Yeah. That definitely helps because you know how difficult it is to win away from home.
‘For example, I thought we played really well in Spain against Betis but, with their fans pushing them on, you see how difficult it can be to pick up points. And that is when you are playing really well. So you want to get positive results in your home games and then hopefully that sets you up to progress.
‘Every time you play against German opposition you are in for a difficult challenge but it’s an exciting prospect.’
Failures on their travels domestically have provided a sharp reminder to Postecoglou of how Celtic have still to show they are making significant improvements from last season’s calamity.
Hearts, Rangers and Livingston have rocked them, but home comforts — his team have scored 27 goals in eight games across all competitions at Celtic Park — provides continued motivation to deliver for the supporters.
‘All the games have been challenges but the home games with the supporters in are definitely special.’ he said. ‘In all of them, the atmosphere has been great. On Thursday, we go again against a quality opponent and I am really looking forward to it.’
Reminded that it is three months
since his arrival, Postecoglou replied: ‘It feels a lot longer, I can tell you! It has been challenging, for sure. We have tried to do as much as we can in a short space of time in terms of changing the squad and changing the way we play.
‘We have had some disruption with injuries, which has been challenging but I have enjoyed it immensely.
‘I knew coming into it there were going to be ups and downs along the way and we have certainly felt them, but it is what it is.
‘That is the kind of club we are. We want to be in every competition and we want to win every competition.
‘That means you are playing a lot of games and it is hectic but you have to be up for all those games because we are expected to win them. The Premiership is relentless but it is exactly where I want to be.’
United have already beaten one half of the Old Firm, with their 1-0 win against Rangers last month at Tannadice ending the champions’ 40-game unbeaten run in the Premiership.
Postecoglou does not want to suffer a similar fate. ‘It is a hectic period but we are looking forward to playing another game at home,’ he added.
‘Our home form has been really good and we are playing some good football. We have an opportunity to make sure we start getting some results in the league on a consistent basis.’