The enterprise of getting ready a Premiership title defence begins in earnest for Celtic as they acquired their pre-season coaching camp underway.
Ange Postecoglou has taken his squad to Austria for every week's coaching that may embody some pleasant video games as properly. They tackle Weiner Viktoria tomorrow night earlier than dealing with Speedy Vienna this Saturday. There is a brisker look to the squad that is travelled, though some acquainted faces have returned on a everlasting foundation. Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers turned their loans into long-term offers, whereas Alexandro Bernabei and Benjamin Siegrist have additionally been added.
There is a new voice for the gamers to listen to from as properly. Harry Kewell has teamed up with compatriot Postecoglou as he grows his backroom employees. The Aussie has been appointed first-team coach and will likely be a giant a part of coaching going ahead. One participant who was regarded as on his approach final week has travelled. Christopher Jullien appeared destined to depart, however he is rejoined the squad after a transfer to Germany fell via final week.
With out qualifiers to barter, Celtic may also begin to plan for the Champions League group levels. The later begin to continental competitors will come as a welcome change and can little question be a sizzling subject of dialog this week as health foundations are laid. This is 5 issues Report Sport noticed from the primary session of the week.
Kewell buyer
The Aussie has joined Postecoglou’s teaching employees forward of the brand new season and he’s straight to work through the pre-season camp. Kewell brings a wealth of expertise from his taking part in profession after taking part in on the very highest degree with Leeds and Liverpool, in addition to representing the Socceroos within the World Cup.
After arriving in Glasgow with none of his earlier teaching employees, Ange is slowly however absolutely surrounding himself with extra acquainted faces. Mark Lawwell arrived as head of recruitment from the Metropolis Soccer Group earlier in the summertime, though his identify will likely be acquainted to everybody linked with the membership.
Kewell’s remit at Celtic will not be restricted to 1 place, however former Dundee United defender Mark Connolly believes the broad males will profit probably the most. He performed beneath the Aussie throughout his time accountable for Crawley City, and gave Report Sport the within monitor on Kewell’s teaching fashion.
Bernabei will get caught in
The Argentine accomplished his transfer from Lanus to Celtic final week and is already within the thick of the motion together with his new teammates. The 21-year-old will want a while to adapt to Scottish soccer and the week in Austria will assist him get to know his new colleagues.
The left again noticed pink earlier than departing South America for the Hoops, receiving a straight pink card for headbutting an opponent. That aggression will likely be an asset if channelled accurately however Postecoglou will likely be eager to make sure the brand new recruit does not fall foul of referees.
It could simply be coaching, however the Aussie coach calls for fixed depth from his gamers. Stephen Welsh wasn;t holding again in right now’s session, however Bernabei is seemingly manufactured from stern stuff and the bodily aspect of the sport shouldn’t part him.
Jota leads the road
The sight Celtic followers have been hoping to see all summer time. A everlasting transfer for the Portuguese winger was on the playing cards for months, however began to tug on a bit after the window opened.
However Jota lastly put pen to paper final week and is now again amongst the squad for coaching in Austria. He’s had himself fairly the summer time after being snapped on vacation with teammate Carl Starfelt earlier than attending a Portuguese music pageant.
But it surely was all secure within the data that he’d be returning to Parkhead in a £6.5million change from Benfica. Now it’s about reproducing the shape he confirmed final yr that helped fireplace the Hoops to the Scottish Premiership title.
He was entrance and centre listening to Ange Postecoglou. Little question he will likely be seeking to reward to Australian's religion in him subsequent time period.
Chris not lacking
It appeared to all of the world as if Christopher Jullien’s time at Celtic had come to an finish final week. The French defender jetted out to Germany to carry signing talks with Schalke forward of a proposed mortgage take care of an possibility to purchase.
However a difficulty through the centre again’s medical mant the Bundesliga membership pulled the plug on the deal. A protracted-term knee damage saved Jullien out for over a yr, solely making his return to motion earlier in 2022.
And Die Kongisblauen should have seen one thing they did not like, so he’s again with Celtic in the meanwhile.Different golf equipment had been and will nonetheless make a transfer, however an good exhibiting in Austria may persuade Ange Postecoglou to maintain him round a bit longer, though his contract expiring subsequent summer time means a switch now is smart.
Benji takes the dive
And Celtic followers will hope to see loads of these from the back-up stopper subsequent time period.
Joe Hart will likely be robust to dislodge from the primary spot at Celtic, however Benjamin Siegrist insists he’s going to present it the whole lot he’s acquired. The previous Dundee United ‘keeper signed a four-year deal after leaving Tannadice on the finish of his contract.
He’s ostensibly arrived as back-up, and whereas any quantity two has to say they’re right here to play, Hart is the plain first alternative. Nonetheless, Siegrist has proven his high quality throughout his time on Tayside and can be a assured begin on the majority of different Premiership golf equipment.
HIs time will possible come within the medium to long run given Hart is 35 and there may have been some future planning concerned in his seize. However for now, he’ll be there to push the previous England primary all the best way in coaching, beginning this week.
READ NEXT