ANGE POSTECOGLOU acknowledges next month’s Champions League qualifiers against FC Midjtylland represent “a hell of a challenge”.
Neil Lennon’s successor understands the pressure he is under to have an immediate impact at the club with the first leg against the Danish Super League runners-up due at Parkhead on July 20 with the return eight days later.
Postecoglou has cut an impressive figure in his media conferences, but he is well aware the time for the talking to stop will be upon him just about the time he is on first-name terms with all his players.
The new gaffer said: “Irrespective of whether it’s too much to expect, people still expect.
“It doesn’t matter what I think, other people will measure in their own ways.
IF YOU KNOW THE HISTORY…Ange Postecoglou proudly holds the Celtic shirt at Parkhead.
“I’m sure plenty of people will look at that first game, for us to be playing fantastic football. If we don’t, they’ll be critical of me.
“What I want to do is make sure we’re prepared for the game. It’s going to be a challenge because they’re a good side.
“I’ve followed them for a number of years, so I know the team and its structure very well.”
Postecoglou, speaking to the Sunday Mail, added: “It’s a hell of a challenge for us, but that’s why I’m here. I have three weeks to prepare and every day will be important.
“Is it a challenge too far? No, because every opportunity is a chance for us to show that we can play our football. That’s not the end game for me, it’s the starting point.
“Whatever we do in that game, even if it’s great, my expectations will be that we need to keep getting better.”
