Ange Postecoglou has shrugged off the theory that Celtic haven't strengthened their starting XI this season - insisting Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers are investments for the future.
The Hoops have had a busy summer so far with Rubin Kazan winger Sead Haksabanovic the latest of seven acquisitions. But the vast bulk of their transfer spending has gone on bringing Jota and Carter-Vickers back to the club after successful loan stints last season.
Postecoglou, though, says he doesn't view either signing as simply retaining a player from last year. He insists both represented good value for money, and would still have moved for both even if they hadn't starred for his 2021/22 title winners. Speaking on Open Goal, Postecoglou said: "People said we haven't really strengthened their first 11 but I think we have. I didn't want to bring them in permanently because they played well last year, I did it because their best football is ahead of them. Even if we didn't have them last year and they were on the market, I'd have said 'these two guys, I want in.' For us it was a no-brainer because not only are they great players but they're brilliant characters, they fit in brilliantly, they're great guys who train hard every day.
"Their best is ahead of them so that was the key part of those transfers. I knew that would be a big investment for us so we weren't going to spend a lot of money outside of that. But they were key to me this summer, and to be fair to both boys, they didn't look at other options. That said this is where they wanted to be which made it easier."
There's been change behind the scenes too as the Australian moved to add Harry Kewell to his coaching team. The former Liverpool winger, a countryman of Postecoglou's, brings a vast wealth of top level experience and though he's never worked with Postecoglou before, the manager knows he has plenty to offer.
"I kind of keep tabs on different coaches, young coaches in particular," he said. "Harry, if you look at him, he’s really wanted to have a crack at having a career, and he’s done some really tough gigs three or four times.
“It hasn’t worked out for him, and watching him from afar, talking to people; they said look, he’s got plenty of energy, great enthusiasm and great knowledge. He just needs to be in a good environment.
“So, I thought you know what, bring him in here, he’ll add what he’s got, because he has played at the highest level, won a Champions League. But, then also he can develop working alongside some good coaches here, in a good environment.”
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