Yesterday’s result was disappointing, no doubt about that, but as the team were wasteful in front of goal, Ange Postecoglou was calm and measured in his approach to the two points dropped at home against Livingston.
In the same way he doesn’t get too carried away with a victory, Postecoglou stays calm and assured in the face of disappointment.
This is why he has the adoration of the Celtic supporters and the buy in from the whole squad.
Ange doesn’t do scapegoats. Just as he doesn’t highlight super stars, it’s all about the teamwork. And that’s exactly what he showed in his post match press conference yesterday.
After the disappointment of Giakoumakis’ penalty miss, did Ange look for excuses? Did he attempt to deflect from the poor result?
No. He took it on the chin. Accepted responsibility for the result AND the penalty and took the heat off his players.
That’s the beauty of Ange.
Speaking to the media yesterday, Ange said if the penalty, “He’ll (Giakoumakis) be disappointed, but that’s the role of a striker.
“They get the limelight when they score goals and when they don’t, they have to dust themselves off and go again.
“I’m sure he’ll do that and he understands it. He’ll be fine.
“He was always taking the penalty. It was my decision, he was the designated penalty taker.
“He wasn’t on the pitch last week when Juranovic took it and it was my call today.
:He’s had this feeling before. The good strikers dust themselves off knowing that when the next chance comes they’ll put it away.
“I’m sure that’s what he’ll do. That’s what I’ll be telling him to do.
“It’s not about feeling sorry for yourself. That’s his role in the team, he’s got to be there and take opportunities when they come.
“He didn’t today, but if he gets himself in the right areas on Thursday I’m sure he’ll take them then.”
No doubt about it, Postecoglou will be looking to bounce back from this disappointment with a good result against Ferencvaros on Thursday night and follow that up with a win against Dundee before the international break.