Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has delivered a response to the speculation of Ben Doak’s move to English Premier League giants Liverpool, with reports suggesting the youngster is nearing a move to the Anfield side.
Yesterday afternoon, reports online began to spread, suggesting that Doak was nearing close to a move down south, with Liverpool taking notice of the talented Scotland under-17 internationalist.
With that move all but confirmed, many fans were disappointed to see another talented youngster move on from the club after losing out on several young players over the last few years.
Reacting to the news about Doak’s potential move, Postecoglou once again delivered another clear response about the players he wants to remain at Parkhead, insisting that if they don’t want to play for the Hoops, they are free to move on.
“I’ve said all along my role is to look after the footballers that want to be here. The footballers that don’t want to be here? There’s another avenue there for them,” he stated, as quoted by Sun Sport.
“When you look at the starting line-up against Dundee United, there were a few boys who started out as ball boys for our club.
“You can’t tell me they haven’t had careers – they’ve represented their country, they’ve won trophies.
“There are a couple down south who started here too. People may think going down south is a reward or some guarantee of success.
“Life – and football in general – shows you there are many avenues towards that goal. I think you’re in a great place here if that’s what your end game is.”
Despite the disappointment of losing an academy graduate, who had already made his first-team debut and became the club’s 2nd youngest ever player, it is great to see this sort of response from Ange, who pretty much hits the nail on the head.
Like senior players within the squad, Ange has been pretty insistent that he wants players who want to play for this football club, and that sort of attitude will help us out massively as we continue to grow under Ange.
Now, that isn’t to say Doak wouldn’t have that attitude. When a huge move such as Liverpool comes about, no one can deny that it is a potential head-turning opportunity, with a chance to set yourself up for life.
In that case, we wish him all the best, and maybe one day we will see him playing for teams down south and potentially within the Scotland international setup.
For now, though, Ange’s focus returns to those he knows will remain at the club whilst continuing to build a connection between the first team and the academy, which has allowed several young players to make their debut this campaign.
