ANGE POSTECOGLOU has once more applauded the Celtic support as they prepare to rally round the team again.
The Greek-Australian has been knocked out by the “ridiculous amount of tickets” that have been snapped up by fans for Tuesday’s unusual afternoon kick-off at Parkhead.
Ferencvaros are the visitors for a crucial Europa League Group G confrontation and the Hoops followers are about to roar on their favourites, despite the bizarre commencement of 3.30pm due to COP 26 scheduled to take place elsewhere in the city.
BADGE OF HONOUR…Ange Postecoglou salutes the Celtic fans after the 2-0 win at Motherwell.
The fans are ready to make sacrifices to get to the east end of Glasgow to give their backing to their favourites that have lost their previous two outings in the section – 4-3 to Real Betis in Seville and 4-0 to Bayer Leverkusen at home.
It’s a repeat of the Champions League qualifying fixture that saw the Hungarians knock out Neil Lennon’s team last season – a defeat that saw the Irishman blow his top at the end of the 2-1 loss that wiped a potential £30million off the table for the club.
Postecoglou said: “It’s an unusual set of circumstances that has turned this into an afternoon kick-off in midweek. We just have to plan around it. You roll with it.
“We have still sold a ridiculous amount of tickets for this match, given the situation.
“It just shows how committed our supporters are – some will have taken time off work or family duties to support the team.
“I appreciate that because it’s part of the excitement of Europe and the atmosphere at Celtic Park.
“It’s heartening and pleasing to hear we are going to have a good turn-out and, hopefully, we will reward the supporters for those sacrifices.”
HAIL, HAIL…Ange Postecoglou acknowledges the Celtic fans following the 2-1 victory at Pittodrie.
It’s the first of a double-header with Ferencvaros that will either provide a path to progress or extinguish hopes of European football after Christmas at a stroke.
The Hoops boss, speaking to the Sunday Mail, added: “They are absolutely pivotal. Our first two results in the group weren’t great although our performance against Betis deserved something out of that game. When you play away in Europe, it’s always tough, but we let ourselves down in some key moments.
“Against Leverkusen, we had some really bright moments against quality opposition.
“But again we let ourselves down and paid a price. It’s left us with the clear objective for Tuesday – we have to win the game if we are going to stay alive in the group.
“It’s the same for Ferencvaros. They will be looking at it in the same light, so it should be a cracking game.
“Recent experience tells us this will be tough. Every game has been challenging whether that was Midtjylland or AZ Alkmaar.
“Apart from the Leverkusen game, our home performances have been good and strong. Hopefully, that will continue.”
DIDN’T THEY DO WELL? JOTA, TURNBULL STRIKE FOR ANOTHER AWAY DAY SUCCESS
