Ange Postecoglou didn’t quite get the homecoming party he was hoping for as Sydney FC surprised the Hoops in an entertaining friendly clash, writes Michael Gannon Down Under.
Kyogo steered in an opener for Celtic Down Under but Robert Mak hit back for the hosts within a couple of minutes and Max Burgess struck a sweet second half winner against the run of play. Postecoglou didn’t get the win he wanted on home soil – but his side was involved in a good show that gave the Parkhead gaffer some food for thought.
He didn’t have his World Cup stars or a few injured aces, but he still sent out a strong side in this Sydney Super Cup opener. There were chances for the likes of midfielders Yosuke Ideguchi and Oliver Abildgaard, as well as keeper Benji Siegrist. The latter showed again he’s a more than solid backup for Joe Hart, while the jury will remain out on the other pair.
Usual suspects such as Kyogo and Jota produced the usual goods, while young guys Scott Robertson and Rocco Vata enjoyed run outs. It was more entertaining than most friendlies and a few more of the locals might regret missing out.
The Celtic end was packed and there were Hoops fans all around the rest of the ground. But the Sydney FC diehards didn’t seem too fussed. In fact, they seemed a bit miffed at the cost of the tickets, given the ultras banner in the standing section that said, ‘$80 - Get FKD’. Celtic were determined to give their fans some value for their dingo dollars.
It was never going to be proper full throttle, but there was still a bit of zip to the game as Sydney were also out to make an impression. Stephen Corica’s side might be midtable in the A-League but they’ve got some pretty decent players, who caused the Hoops plenty problems.
They arguably should have been ahead when Celtic struck the opener. Mak and Joseph Lolley both scudded the bar and Benji Seigrist stuck out a finger to divert a Rhyan Grant dig.
But the Aussies soon learned what plenty of sides in Scotland know all too well. Celtic can be lethal at times. Kyogo managed to fire his side in front when he sneakily used his chest to redirect Alexandro Bernabei’s low drive into the net.
It was a cute finish but the advantage didn’t last. Celtic were having issues down their left flank. Abildgaard seemed a bit too keen at times and was guilty of going walkabout, leaving Bernabei exposed and Carl Starfelt having to shuffle across to help out.
It led to those two efforts against the woodwork and again at the goal when Lolley found the gap to send Mak racing in behind and he did well to hold off Stephen Welsh before neatly tucking away.
It was lively stuff. David Turnbull had a dig tipped over the bar by Thomas Heward-Belle, who also denied Kyogo a couple of times. It could have been about 5-5 by half-time.
The arrival of star turns such as Jota and Sead Hakabanovic after the break ensured it would continue to be lively, and, sure enough, the pair linked up quickly as the Portuguese ace headed wide.
The attacker was right in the mood and should have scored when he lashed one high into the stands. Celtic were completely bossing the second period – yet it was Sydney who went ahead when Max Burgess was allowed to cut in from the right and superbly swerve into the top corner.
The Hoops had a few chances to level but the sheer number of subs by the end left the party atmosphere a bit flat. But what can Celtic take from the game? Record Sport takes a look.
Jury out on Parkhead pair
Some Celtic stars will be looking forward to a nice break, but this Aussie trek is vital to a couple of others who should be desperate for game time. Players like Yosuke Ideguchi and Oliver Abildgaard, who both got starts in Sydney.
Ideguchi has suffered rotten luck since his arrival last January. He was crocked after being cemented on his first start – at Alloa in the Scottish Cup – and managed just 55 minutes on the pitch the rest of the season.
He then got injured again in pre-season and it was starting to look like being the answer to a pub quiz question in years to come. He looked decent enough in patches. Abildgaard has been more of a slow burner since his summer arrival from Ruban Kazan, initially on loan. The giant midfielder missed pre-season and has ben trying to play catch up ever since.
These minutes in Oz might have helped but in general play he had a bit of a shocker. Abildgaard struggled with possession, got caught out of position and still looks short of full fitness. The big fella might need to spend the next few weeks doing extra homework and the two midfielders are in danger of becoming rare Postecoglou signings who haven’t made an impact.
Watch this space
While Ideguchi and Abildgaard have work to do if they are to make the grade at Parkhead, there are plenty of signs Sead Haksabanovic is going to be just fine. The Montenegro international bagged three goals in the final two games before this trip and is increasingly looking the part.
He also missed a chunk of pre-season and had to get himself up to speed. But he is getting more comfortable – and influential – by the week. Haksabanovic has quick feet and an eye for a pass, while also knowing the way to go. There were some more positive signs in Sydney with the way he found space and carved out openings. The attacker is going to be one to watch in the second half of the season.
Worthwhile trip
The clash with Sydney FC was just one of a number of events around the city this week as Celts have been in marketing overdrive.
They’ve played a blinder with public meet and greets, open training sessions and Q&A gigs that have thrilled expat supporters and the ones who travelled over the globe.
Celtic are making good money from the Sydney Cup show and they are also touching base with the punters who usually get up at the crack of dawn to watch their team on the other side of the planet.
It’s all about expanding the brand and it’s worked a treat so far. Having an Aussie boss certainly helps but this is the kind of trip that keeps fans sweet and the tills ringing. And if the dosh helps the club continue to build then it’ll be well worth the huge journey and extra week’s graft.
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