Ange Postecoglou wary of Celtic pre season narrative as boss doesn't subscribe to popular theory

Ange Postecoglou has gone through a completely different build-up this time around. But as far as he is concerned nothing has really changed – 12 months ago Postecoglou went into day one of the Premiership campaign with chaos, uncertainty and disappointment in the background.

Celtic had just returned from Denmark after a painful exit from the Champions League at the hands of Midtjylland and the manager was frantically trying to acquire signings to build a squad. Postecoglou was juggling those incoming stars while also having to use individuals he knew weren’t going to be in his long-term planning.

Before that first game against Hearts at Tynecastle they were barely given a chance in the title race. Fast forward from July 31, 2021 to July 31, 2022 and everything will be the opposite. There’s no worries over Champions League qualifiers because last term’s successes means Celtic don’t have any.

The nucleus of Postecoglou’s squad has been in place for months and there is a settled and harmonious feel around the camp. Unlike last year when they were rated as complete underdogs, Celtic are now the favourites to go back to back in the eyes of many observers as they get ready for their curtain-raiser on home soil against Aberdeen.

But as the manager rightly points out, the carnage of last summer did not stop his charges from flying to the title. Which in turn makes him understand fully a serene preparation doesn’t automatically mean it’s all going to be plain sailing now.

As far as Postecoglou is concerned, delivering on the park is only true barometer. His quickly-assembled side managed to do so for the majority of last term and that’s the only thing that will count on this occasion, too.

Postecoglou assessed the