Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has challenged his players to bring ‘energy’ to the crowd as his side prepare to welcome back a further 25,000 to Parkhead this Sunday.
As quoted by the Glasgow Times, the former Socceroos manager believes that they can make Celtic Park a fortress once again, but it is also up to the players to play their part by entertaining the crowd.
“It is a good game for us because we were disappointed last week with the way the game ended against Hearts,” Postecoglou said.
“It is important for our league campaign that at home we put in a strong performance and we get a result.
“To have success this year, we need to start winning games on a consistent basis.
“It won’t be a full house, but there will still be 25,000-odd in there and it’ll be a good challenge.
“I think it works both ways. There’s no doubt it’s an important ingredient in playing games at home, the energy a crowd gives you.
“Last week playing at Hearts, you could tell their crowd really gave them some energy. I’m sure that’s what the supporters will give us, but we’ve got to give them some hope and belief as well.
“It works both ways. The energy goes both ways. If they see a team have a willing desire to play aggressive football at home and take it to our opponents, they’ll get behind us.
“We’ve got to have them believe in what we’re doing. It works both ways.
“But home form and a home record is crucially important if you want to have success.”
Over the years, Celtic Park has been known as a stadium that sides struggle to come to and get anything from the game. But over the last 12 months or so, that has certainly changed.
Both on and off the field, we have had our problems, not to mention the fact that supporters have been locked out of grounds for the past year.
As we edge closer to seeing the return of a full house next week, Ange and his players will likely be looking forward to seeing that.
But as Postecoglou mentions, it is up to his squad to put in the level of performance that Hoops fans are hoping and expecting got see come Sunday.
