Postecoglou has praise for fellow Aussie Tom – but there will absolutely be no cuddles
Ange Postecoglou agrees his arrival at Celtic Park has been the catalyst for Tom Rogic’s revival – but insists he has not put an arm around his fellow Australian.
A peripheral figure for the Hoops last season, Rogic has looked a different player under the charge of his countryman, recapturing the form he displayed when part of Brendan Rodgers’ Invincibles.
That has been a bonus for the new boss, not least because there are two huge tests coming up, with the second leg of the Europa League play-off against
AZ Alkmaar followed – a week today – by the first Old Firm derby of the season.
“I obviously know Tom really well, and always thought he was one of those special players who fans love to watch,” said Postecoglou.
“I get excited watching him play, and he creates some special things. His ball
to Kyogo Furuhashi the other night in the build-up was outstanding.
“I also know he is the kind of guy who needs to feel good about himself, his body and how he’s playing his football. “He can be pretty critical of himself. He is only 28 and, for every footballer, your career is not a linear process. “There are ups and downs that players have to deal with at different times, whether that’s injuries or loss of form. “But since I have come here, Tom’s been good and I am super-pleased to have him in my team.
“I am not the type to give cuddles, but I try to provide an environment where they feel comfortable and can be the best they can be. “I just remind them that we are all pretty blessed to do what we do,
and we’ve a limited time in it. So let’s use every day to be the best we can be.
“Sometimes the professional game can sap that out of you, so I just try to provide an environment where players work hard to meet their responsibilities – but get a huge kick at the end of it.
“That’s what’s happening at the moment with Tom.
“He knew the kind of football we were going to play would be suited to him, provided he could get himself right physically, and be in a good headspace.
“He is enjoying the environment, the training and the way we play our football. So, no cuddles, mate – just let’s get on with it!”
His message is backed up by James Forrest, who says he is reminded of the impact Rodgers arrival at the club in 2016 had on him.
“Tom has been exceptional since the manager came in, Tony Ralston too. Everybody is buzzing for them,” said Forrest (inset left).
“We have a new manager with fresh ideas, and everyone has been buying into it. It is 100% how it was for me when Brendan Rodgers first came here.
“There are a lot of boys who maybe haven’t played as much in the past that are thriving under it, and doing really well.
“That’s obviously good to see for the manager – but it’s also great for the players.
“Tony maybe thought he wasn’t going to be here at the end of last season. So for him, what he’s been doing in every game this season has been unreal.
“It’s a mix of the new manager, and the players having that in them as well.”
A one-club player, Forrest is savouring his achievement in reaching his century of European appearances in the Hoops – a feat only previously managed previously by Scott Brown.
“It is class,” said the Scotland winger. “Over the years, we have played a lot of qualifiers as well, so you rack up the games doing that.
“But the amount of big games I have played in Europe has been unreal.
“It is something I will probably look back on more once I have finished my playing career. But, for now, I just want more.”