Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

'Wasn't the type' - Ange Postecoglou 'different' Celtic approach laid bare

James Forrest has admitted Ange Postecoglou wasn't the type of manager who would welcome players chapping his door over game time.

The Celtic hero explained Postecoglou was "different" at Parkhead and conceded he didn't ever knock the manager's door despite limited playing time.

Forrest, 32, has earned a testimonial at Celtic for his trophy-laden spell at the club but was reduced to a squad role last term.

However, he still felt involved and stated he knew his place working under Postecoglou - now at Spurs.

There was no issue or complaint from either side despite Forrest's frustration over playing as he remained thrilled to contribute to a successful season for Celtic.

He did admit that Postecoglou wasn't the most forthcoming manager when it comes to discussions over game time.

As quoted by the Scottish Sun, Forrest said: “Every manager is different. The last gaffer was different in his way, but then you knew where you stood.

“You knew what was going on and just had to work hard in training.

“He wasn’t really the type of manager you could go and chap his door. You just had to keep working hard in training and that was fine.

“But I felt involved last season. I maybe didn’t start as many games as I would have wanted to, but we have so many good players and the team was flying.

“I felt I did contribute at times when I was picked. And I definitely felt like I learned under him.

“I enjoyed the last two years and took so many positives from that time.

“If you ask any player, they will always say they would liked to have played more.

“I was fit for the first half of the season right up until February time and felt involved.

“I just didn’t start as much as I’d have liked, and that as was a bit frustrating.

“But the team was winning and flying and I had to wait for a chance."

It comes after Postecoglou defended his reserved approach to relationship with players.

He said: "Other managers are really engaging with players, I get that. If you look at it, that’s probably their personality. They walk into a room and everyone gravitates towards them. That’s not me.

"I just try to be me, but within that context, it doesn't mean I don’t talk to players. If a player has got an issue, I'll sit down and engage. It's really important for the players that they know that I have their back, that I care for them.

"But that doesn't always have to come by me sitting down with them at lunch and talking with them about how their day was. It's just not who I am."

Matt O'Riley had said of the difference at Celtic under Brendan Rodgers to Postecoglou: "So far it has been amazing, everyone seems quite upbeat.

"I think he brings that just in terms of how he goes about things.

"He is not reluctant to come and sit with us at lunch and have a chat which I think is quite nice.

"It's a nice refreshing change in a sense to have a bit more openness about the place so I'm looking forward to that."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.