Ange Postecoglou is optimistic that Celtic will announce some new signings “in the next few days” as he insisted it was not his responsibility to convince desired members of his team to stay.
New signing Osaza Urhoghide made his debut on Saturday as Celtic knocked out a 2-1 winner against Charlton in the club’s second pre-season friendly win at their training camp in Wales.
The futures of Odsonne Edouard, who entered the second half of the match in Newport, and Christopher Ayer are still uncertain, with a year left on the couple’s contracts at Celtic Park.
Speaking after the game, Postecoglou told reporters: “We are trying to attract some players and we hope to make some arrangements.
“We need some players to come in because we’ve lost quite a few from last year. It’s not an easy process at the moment, but we’re strongly advocating and hope to get them in the next few days.”
Celtic won the first two pre-season friendly matches under Postecoglou
Postecoglou is building their new team according to the first game of their second Champions League qualifier against Midtjylland on July 20th.
Asked if Celtic had received any offers for their players, Postecoglou said: “To be honest, I’m not so much focused on expenses as on incoming ones. Right now my main focus is incoming. I can’t control who leaves, what I can control on what I can insist on is bringing people in. “
The Greek-born Australian added: “I am focused on a few key areas – working on the players we have here and trying to introduce players.
“I guess it will come down to whether the players want to be a part of this or not. Some may have already decided, others will decide below.
“I’m not here right now to comment on our case. It’s not a job I do. If people want to be a part of it, I’ll be happy to involve them.”
Postecoglou insisted bringing a second attack was not a priority, despite Leigh Griffiths leaving training camp amid ongoing investigation Scottish Police due to alleged inappropriate online behavior.
“We need players in multiple positions, not just one,” he said. “Even looking at those who have passed since last season, purely in numbers, we need players.”
One player who seems to have a chance of a rebirth under Postecoglou at Celtic is midfielder Olivier Ntcham.
The French midfielder, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Marseille, saw the failure of the proposed move to AEK from Athens and appeared for the first time in the preseason against Charlton.
“I spoke to him and he said he wants to come back and make an impression this year,” the former Australian chief said.
“I take that as a face value. He was good at training.
“He lacks a bit of touch and fitness, but he’s part of the team and I hope he has an impact this year.”
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