ANGE POSTECOGLOU insists he has no intention of taking a breather during the 20-day winter break following his whirlwind six months at Celtic.
The Greek-Australian has hit the ground running since arriving in Scotland on June 23 and by the end of the transfer window on August 31 a DOZEN new players had been recruited.
As Kyogo Furuhashi, Filipe Jota and Carl Starfelt joined the Hoops revolution, key men such as Odsonne Edouard, Kristoffer Ajer and Ryan Christie were heading for the exit.
PRIZE GUY…a beaming Ange Postecoglou holds the newly-won League Cup.
Postecoglou led the team, who suffered their first trophyless season in 11 years last time out, to Premier Sports League Cup triumph earlier this month when two goals from the Japanese international striker – hoisting his tally to 16 – downed battling Hibs at Hampden.
It’s little wonder Neil Lennon’s long-term successor admits half a year as Hoops gaffer has passed in a blur.
However, the 56-year-old former Australia international chief is adamant he will not be easing up with his signing targets in next month’s transfer window.
He has been linked with a return to the J-League where he spent £4.6million in bringing in Kyogo from Vissel Kobe in late July and others are reported to be on his radar such as frontman Daizen Maeda, versatile left-sided operator Reo Hatate and midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi.
NO REST FOR THE MANAGER…Ange Postecoglou at the Lennoxtown training HQ.
There was no hesitation as Postecoglou promised: “No breaks. We keep cracking on. There is plenty to do.
“We’ve been working on it for a while, knowing that we needed to strengthen the squad during January.
“This gives us a chance, with no games, to push along with that. Hopefully, we get some good news in the New Year and bring in some reinforcements.”
The break will also afford the manager with his training plans to work on systems and methods with his players at Lennoxtown.
Postecoglou commented: “It’s kind of been game-recovery for quite a while now.
“It’s going to be a crucial time for us and for the players. Just to be able to work with them and work on our game and keep pushing and helping our game.”
Asked about taking time off, the boss answered: “Nah. I had a nice Christmas morning with my family.
UP IN ARMS…Ange Postecoglou celebrates another Celtic triumph.
“I’ve got some young ones who were causing chaos with their gifts from Father Christmas and that was great.
“But look, I love what I do. I don’t need to switch off. It’s fine.
“I’ve really enjoyed the first six months, as challenging as it has been. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and I know there are massive challenges ahead so I’m looking forward to that.
“I’ve got plenty of energy. I’ll have plenty of time to switch off, mate, when I’m old and grey.”
Postecoglou, speaking to the Daily Record, added: “It’s been hectic, for sure.
“From the moment I arrived. I don’t think there has been any sort of time when we’ve been able to relax.
ROARING SUCCESS…Ange Postecoglou celebrates the win at Pittodrie in October.
“We’ve just had different challenges every week. At the beginning, it was throwing guys together, getting players in. We’ve had injuries, we’ve had all sorts.
“The schedule has been really tough. All along, we’ve been consistent and I’ve been consistent about not making excuses or allowances for the players.
“I’ve just said to them: ‘Let’s just show our character through all these things’. And they’ve been great. I’ve enjoyed it immensely. It’s been quick, for sure,
“It’s been a bit of a blur, but I’m loving every minute of it and I’m looking forward to the challenges of the new year.”
