Callum McGregor faced an enormous challenge two years ago. This summer, it’s threatening to be an even bigger task.
Captain McGregor could almost end up being the most important person in the entire football department when Celtic regroup for pre-season. When Ange Postecoglou walked into the club, he had to instill a brand-new philosophy. Any new boss needs his senior players to drive home their messages and keep the group on track.
With a clearout coming, McGregor was among the few who were staying. Taking the armband from talisman Scott Brown, he was the new leader. Postecoglou spoke openly about the vital importance of his on-pitch lieutenant during the critical opening stages of his Celtic life as he delivered. McGregor, at least, had the back-up of familiar faces such as No.2 John Kennedy and coach Gavin Strachan. But with Postecoglou having targeted that duo to join him at Tottenham, it could be an entire coaching unit which is changing and not just the top man. If that’s the case, McGregor, with assistance of others such as Joe Hart, will have to rapidly bond it all together. Smooth another transition and infuse a whole new set of ideas into a squad by leading impressively again from the front.
