John Kennedy insists Ange Postecoglou will create his own version of special Manchester City magic at Celtic.
The Parkhead No.2 described Pep Guardiola’s side as sensational and inspiring after their midweek mauling of Real Madrid took them into next month’s Champions League Final. Celtic could meet City again in Europe’s premier competition next season having drawn with them twice in the 2016/17 group stage campaign. Guardiola has developed his side into an incredible force since then. And Kennedy admits they “are playing in a different league to us at a different level.”
But Postecoglou’s assistant is adamant Celtic can’t put a ceiling on what they can achieve. And Kennedy says the boss will look to do his own version of City. He said: “They (City) are a terrific team. From a coaching perspective they are very inspiring. They have taken time to get to that level. They are playing in a different league to us at a different level. But in terms of getting to that point, Guardiola has had to spend time with that squad to get them to the point where they look a very special team. Certainly, Ange will do his own version of that here.
“They (City) were sensational. They have the resources to bring in a higher level of players. Everyone looking at them can see the level of performances they are putting in.
“But we have to try and maximise what we can do and you can’t put a ceiling on that. We have earned the right to play in the Champions League and, when that happens you want to test yourself against the best.”
Kennedy’s appetite has been whetted for another crack at Europe and he added: “Yes, that’s part of being at this club. Every year you have to get into European competition, the Champions League as much as possible.
“We experienced that this season which was great for our squad and for our players and everyone involved in the club. Next season we will experience it again. It’s special to be part of it. It’s a huge part of what Celtic is all about.
“We have continually improved this season, in terms of last season, and we have made improvements again in terms of our league form and our consistency. We’ve made inroads in Europe. We’ve played at a very high level.
“We didn’t get the results but there were signs in our performances when we showed we can go for periods in games toe-to-toe with the big guys. We have to take belief from that but work very hard to try and maximise what they can be.
“The manager is very good at getting everything out of the players and making them go 100 per cent every day and going into games with full focus to be the best version of themselves. That’s something he’s good at driving home. He won’t let up on them. He won’t let them be comfortable.”
Tomorrow marks the 20th anniversary of Celtic’s UEFA Cup Final appearance and Kennedy was a youngster around the squad at that time.
He said: “Seville was special. I was a young player and on the fringes of the group. I remember round by round you could feel the momentum building and around the club you felt like you were on the cusp of something special. Beating teams like Blackburn and Liverpool, it was a special year.
“We didn’t win the Final but it was still a special moment in the club’s history. It’s something that still gives me goosebumps”
