Ange Postecoglou sets Yuki Kobayashi expectations but talks up Celtic bargain

Ange Postecoglou sets Yuki Kobayashi expectations but talks up Celtic bargain

By John McGinley December 2, 2022

Ange Postecoglou is delighted to get Yuki Kobayashi in the door at Celtic, believing the chance to sign him at the end of his contract was too good to turn down.

Kobayashi is arriving as a free agent from Vissel Kobe, where he made 78 appearances in total at the heart of their defensive line.

Now embarking on an ambitious move to Europe, the Celtic boss reckons we will see the best of him as the season progresses, rather than immediately.

Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images

Speaking in a media conference today, Postecoglou said [Celtic YouTube]: “It’s good to get Yuki in. He’s one we’ve been working on and track for a while. He plays as a left-sided centre-back which is a pretty important position within the context of the way we want to play our football. Having someone who is left-foot there isn’t easy to find in general.

“He’s already got a fair bit of experience at the age of 22. I just thought it was a great opportunity for us. He was out of contract and the fact we can bring him in now and let him get settled. He’s one that we’d be looking at to make more of an impact as the season goes on, not somebody we’re going to throw in straight away.

“That depends on his progress but we’re really pleased to have him. He’ll be great for us and I’m sure he’ll see this as a great opportunity for himself.”

Adding an emerging talent that Postecoglou rates to the squad for a minimal compensation fee is good work by Celtic. As we’ve seen previously, the Australian doesn’t need to spend big money to develop a player into a stand-out star at the Bhoys.

Obviously, that requires commitment and work ethic from the player’s end too but Kobayashi has come across as level-headed and focused in his initial introductions to the Celtic support. He is intent on making a name for himself in Europe.

In other news, Ange Postecoglou swerves Alistair Johnston question but states class Celtic January intent.

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