LIEL ABADA is “really happy” at Celtic, insists manager Ange Postecoglou.
The Israel international winger was one of the first recruits by the Greek-Australian when he arrived in a £3.5million switch from Maccabi Petah Tikva in July 2021.
However, there have been persistent reports Abada is likely to be on his way after knocking back a contract extension in November, as CQN reported.
Postecoglou, though, is philosophical about the outside noise and, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “It’s about what the players want to do. With some of them, they’re at different stages of their life and have different ambitions.
“I’ve got no problem with that, it’s not about being ruthless or harsh with them. It’s about understanding their needs and what they want to do. That’s fine, we’ll move on and they’ll move on to better things. That’s how I treat every case.
“Liel’s very happy here. There’s nothing that’s shown me he wants to go anywhere. He just wants to be the best he can be and he’s working hard every day to do that.
“He’s been fantastic since he joined us. Sometimes other people like to speak for others. I prefer to speak to the person themselves and get first-hand information.
“At the moment Liel is really happy here.”
Abada will miss the champions’ match against Ross County in Dingwall this afternoon after sustaining an injury during training with the Israeli international squad.
The 21-year-old livewire winger could also be struggling for the Glasgow derby against Michael Beale’s Ibrox side at Parkhead on Saturday.
Abada was on fire when the teams met in the east end of Glasgow in September and thumped in a double before the interval as Postecoglou’s side romped to a 4-0 triumph.
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report and the best action images from Ross County v Celtic this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.
