Celtic snatched a draw from the jaws of victory in Ange Postecoglou’s first competitive game as a moment of madness from Nir Bitton reduced us to 10-men late in the first half against FC Midtjylland.
Unfortunately it’s not the first time we’ve seen this from the experienced international and it was all the more frustrating with his sending off coming at a spell in the game when we were in the ascendency having taking the lead through debutant Liel Abada.
In many ways it felt like a lost opportunity, however there were plenty of positives to take from the game including the debut from Abada, the return of the real Ryan Christie, and the emergence of young Dane Murray, and it’s all to play for as we head to Denmark for the return leg this week.
We can also look forward to the long awaited arrival of Carl Starfelt and Kyogo Furohashi in the coming days whilst we also bid farewell to Quadruple Treble winner Kris Ajer and a wee guy called Marian Shved as the revolving door at Celtic Park continues to spin.
If you were ever in any doubt about our defensive frailties (and if so where have you been?!) then this was highlighted further in the heavy friendly defeat by West Ham, and Ange must be given re-enforcements in these areas if he’s to have any chance of success.
Even this early in the season it’s a hugely important week ahead for him and his squad as they try to navigate the second leg against the Danes as well as a tricky opening league fixture against Hearts at Tynecastle.
In his own words Ange has said that this is a massive challenge but one he’s come into with his eyes wide open and he says it’s exactly why he does what he does!
He continues to impress and we’ll be backing him all the way, this week and beyond.
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