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Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou not taking anything for granted ahead of Europa tie

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou not taking anything for granted ahead of Europa tie
© Reuters
The Hoops have netted 16 goals over four consecutive wins.

Ange Postecoglou wants to see more proof that his players are making progress with his style of football when they host AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League.

Celtic go into Wednesday's play-off first leg at Parkhead on the back of netting 16 goals over four consecutive wins.

Postecoglou admitted the first hour of his side's victory over Hearts on Sunday was the type of football he wants from his team, save from not converting enough of their chances.

And he wants to see further progress against the Dutch side.

"I know people say it's a step up but I have never looked at football that way," the Greek-born Australian told Celtic TV. "One thing football teaches you, if you take anything for granted it will slap you right in the face.

"Every game is important, every game is a challenge. What is paramount for us is, what we have done in the last four or five games, we are increasing and improving our football and the tempo we want to play, especially at home.

"So, irrespective of the opponent, we go into Wednesday night and take that approach."

The players' joy at their play coming together was evident when the goals went in during Sunday's 3-2 Premier Sports Cup triumph.

"Part of it is for them to enjoy their football as well," Postecoglou said. "For me, that's the best sort of encouragement I can give them.

"If they can get the rewards out there and see it come to fruition and they get that feeling that they want more if it, and they understand that to get more of it, you have got to keep buying into what we are doing."

AZ began their Eredivisie campaign on Saturday with a 1-0 away defeat against Waalwijk.

"They are a good side, a young team, they will be full of energy as well," Postecoglou said. "Their season has just kicked off so they will be pretty fresh.

"They will be excited about playing at Celtic in front of a capacity crowd. It will be a typical European night, there will be plenty of high-tempo, quality football and we will play our part in it."

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New Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou pictured on July 20, 2021
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
Championship Group
1Celtic220085275884
2RangersRangers220078255381
3Hearts20114637963
4Kilmarnock20114438652
5St Mirren21014246-446
6Dundee20024659-1341
Relegation Group
1Hibernian21014854-642
2Aberdeen22003749-1241
3Motherwell21015053-340
4Ross County21013459-2533
5St Johnstone20022550-2531
RLivingston21012563-3821
 
First Phase
1Celtic33246380265478
2RangersRangers33243672234975
3Hearts33195946341262
4Kilmarnock33131284334951
5St Mirren33127143843-543
6Dundee331011124454-1041
7Hibernian33912124451-739
8Motherwell33813124651-537
9Aberdeen33811143549-1435
10St Johnstone33710162446-2231
11Ross County3379173256-2430
RLivingston3339212259-3718


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