JOHN KENNEDY took part in a rare interview with Celtic TV on Wednesday, with the assistant manager sitting down with Gerry McCulloch.
During which, the assistant manager praised the full squad, giving a mention to the players who came off the bench for the manager to keep the high tempo that Postecoglou wants for the whole match.
With such a big squad, there are always going to be players missing out on a starting spot, but they’re still in the manager’s matchday plan.
With the rule change to five subs being brought in permanently, Celtic are reaping the benefits of it.
Speaking to Celtic TV, John Kennedy said:
“I think it does. It allows us to maintain the intensity in the games and the energy levels for ourselves. We play a very high-intensity game which takes a lot out of the boys, especially when there are three games a week.
“We have to have a squad that is ready to go and execute that. The players know on a daily basis that the way we train and prepare for games, so even if they are not playing at the weekend, they have to keep training at levels that when they do come and they do have an impact.
“We’ve seen that many times this season in terms of players coming in and making a difference in the game, whether that be seeing a game out or really pushing on and getting the extra goals that we need. That’s a big part of the game and is something the manager emphasises continuously, whether you are on the pitch for 90 minutes, 30 minutes or 15 minutes, you have to make an impact. That’s your job.
“Again, you have to be selfless in that. A lot of players get upset when they don’t play, that’s totally natural, but it’s important that they work that in the right way that it’s beneficial to the team and they don’t put themselves in front of that.”
David Turnbull is a name that springs to mind when you think of players who’ve made an impact from off the bench this season, with the midfielder commonly popping up with a goal or an assist.
He’s due a start soon; maybe Postecoglou will give him the nod for the cup tie at the weekend against St Mirren.
