Everything Ange Postecoglou had to say to the media ahead of Celtic's Scottish Premiership match against Dundee United on Saturday...

How important was it that you got a say in who came in?

It was kind of essential. I think the club understood that when they appointed me because with my history and the way I want my teams to play, it's really important that we bring in players that suit the system. It's not just about signing talented players or players we may think have potential it's where they can fit in. No-one knows that better than me so having that sort of control and being able to make sure the characteristics we're looking for - both from the point of view of the player and also the person that we're trying to sign - has been vital. I've done that my whole career and, for the most part, I've had success in the players I bring in because I know what I'm looking for.

How long does it take for these players to reach the level you want?

It depends on the player. With all players there's not a one-size-fits-all model. The penny drops with some of them at different times. Some come in straight away and feel really comfortable in the setup, others just take a little bit longer. I think the key part is trying to sign players who embrace the fact that they're going to be learning something new and playing differently to what they're used to but, as long as they've got the characteristics I'm looking for and they're coachable, then it usually happens pretty quickly. Sometimes it's the physical side it takes longer to adapt to. So there's no set formula. We've been pretty fortunate this year - we've had to throw most of the guys in whether they're ready or not and they've adapted really quickly, which is a credit to them.

Are you expecting new signings in before the transfer window closes?

No, I wouldn't be expecting anyone else in. 

In terms of players going out, could there be some departures?

We're still working on loan opportunities for a few of our boys. I expect there will be some sort of activity between now and end of window. It might even go beyond that, there are certain markets that don't close at that time. 

Did the players all come through usncathed against Hearts?

Yeah, nothing major. Obviously, a bit of fatigue in a couple of them because they haven't played a lot recently but aside from that no injuries and no-one's come out with anything that's going to affect them in terms of team selection for tomorrow.

Any update on when we might expect the injured players back?

No, not really. As I've said with all of them it's different timescales and different rehabs. They're all working away in the background. Some are longer-term than others but, from my perspective, we'll just look at the players who are avaialble. 

Just to be clear - with a couple going out on loan does that mean you would bring any more in?

I thought I was pretty clear. 

So no more business at all even if a few go out the door then?

I thought I was pretty clear. 

How do you approach creating an environment that's good the the players - do you have a methodology, is it inherent to the way you deal with players or is it personnel-driven?

I'm a big believer in people. 'Culture' and 'environment' are buzzwords around the world - they're obviously very important but I've always had this strong belief that it's driven by people. My view is if you get the right kind of people in with values that align then you create a good team environment, a good bond. That doesn't mean everyone's the same because they're all individuals. There are underlying stuff in terms of their values, their motivations, the kind of people they are that, if you get the right kind of people and that includes staff as well as players, then environment drives itself.

I certainly don't go around making up rules and regulations about what people can and can't do. I've never believed in that. I've never believed in a fine system or telling people what's right or wrong. We all grow up with a basic essence of what is right or wrong and that's all I expect, for people to behave like good human beings. Within that, they're going to make mistakes. They're going to stuff up at times. They might be late for a meeting or they might get something wrong but that's just human nature.

My thing is just be a decent person, have respect for your surroundings - your team-mates, the people you work alongside, and the rest is driven by itself. Within that you have to pick the right leaders and we've certainly got that, particularly with Callum in the dressing room and some other experienced players. But for me the whole methodology centres round the right kind of people. That's what I base everything I do on. 

Is Albian Ajeti one of the players who may have to move on in the next couple of days if he wants game-time?

If there are players who feel like they'll get more opportunities elsewhere then we'll help facilitate that. At the moment, Albian is just coming back from his injury and is almost back with the group now so hopefully he's back up and running and fit. But with all the guys who aren't getting regular game-time, particularly the younger ones, we want to actively try to find them some game-time somewhere because it's important for their development. Some of the more senior ones who aren't playing it really comes down to them and if they feel there's better opportunities somewhere else. 

Have these two windows been the most hectic you've been involved in, in terms of the scale of change?

It's up there. I'd have to look back historically but most of the clubs I've worked at by the end of year two there's bee a fairly significant turnaround in personnel. But when you're talking six months, yeah. I think we've done 16 or 17 transfers so that;s probably the high water mark for me. There's an element of risk whenever you do business. It's not a precise science. We've seen clubs around the world spend a helluva lot of money and not get it right, so I'm pleased as a club that we seem to be in a good place considering the amount of changes we've had to make. 

How much does a result like Tynecastle help the players bond? 

Yeah, it helps with the bond but also with belief as well. You understand the challenges when you're going into the game. That'sthe one thing I consistently praise the guys on is that they'v ejust been a really resilient group of people - the players and the staff. We've had some enormous challenges right from the first game and along the way, even when things weren't going well in terms of results, we weren't making excuses. We weren't asking for time. We weren't saying 'it's going to take a little bit for people to settle'. We just rolled our sleeves up and ot on with it.

The result of that is, like at Tynecastle, getting a victory when we've had some challenges on the day, fuels that belief they have in what we're doing. That, in turn, creates that bond. I think it's something that self-fulfils itself once you buy into something. You don't let whatever potential impediment that's in your way stop you from what you want to achieve. 

How do you approach the team selection for Dundee United with Rangers on the horizon?

Every game is important so there's no point thinking what you're going to do in a game or two games' time or three games' time if you don't accomplish what you want with what's in front of you. That's something we've been really good at: focusing on what's in front of us. Tomorrow's team will be the team we think will get the job done. United came here and frustrated us last time so we know it's going to be a challenge and we've got to be up for it.  We obviously have some limitations in terms of options with the amount of absences we've got at the moment but I'm confident the 11 who will start will be best equipped to get the job done. 

Is Callum McGregor going to Tynecastle despite his injury a testament to how seriously he takes his role as captain? 

Absolutely. He's totally invested in this. He knows how important he is as a person to this group, not just as a footballer. While the football side of things takes a back seat for the time being he still knows he's an influence around the group. He was in and around the dressing room before the game and after the game. All the lads were pleased to see him alongside him. That goes back to the spirit and bond we've got. They all want the team to do well, whether they're playing or not. They all want success for each other and they enjoy the success that everyone has, whether they're involved individually or not. 

Is Karamoko Dembele back in training and could he feature in the coming weeks?

He's not back, he's had a couple of little setbacks so we're thinking maybe next week he'll start training with the group. He's another one who's had a lot of injuries and disruptions in the first half of the year so we'll give him a chance to get fit and train with the group. In terms of opportunities, we'll see what develops from there. 

Is there a sense of trepidation over the players on international duty? 

More than trepidation. What's beyond trepidation? Yeah, I don't enjoy watching them as much as I want them to do well. I'm not displeased when, like, Tom (Rogic) got taken off and he jogged off nice and healthy. Seeing Daizen on the bench didn't dampen my spirits too much. We've already had a bit of bad luck with international duty so far this year so, yeah, you want the guys to do well but there's always a little bit of trepidation. 

Expecting a confident Dundee United tomorrow?

It'll be a challenge for us, for sure. Their form before that wasn't great. When you're going through a bad spell you just need a good result to raise morale. They got that in the last game but even if they didn't I think we know what to expect. It's going to be a tough game. We're under no illusions.

What would you like to see the team do more of?

It's been a collective effort. The fans have been a big part of it. I was lucky enough to tap into that enthusiasm at the beginning of the year after fans being out for so long. I think the players have really enjoyed that energy, both home and away. It filters both ways. There's still plenty ahead, so much more development. When you make so many changes it's impossible to get the progress you want because you're constantly in a rebuilding phase. It takes a bit of time for my methods to kick in. 

I knew here I wasn't going to be afforded the time I've had at other clubs so we had to hit the ground running - but I think the best of this team will come in the coming years hopefully. That's my intention while I'm here - whatever we produce, the goal is to be better and more exciting. We want everyone talking about how we play our football. 

How do you think the players from other countries are settling in?

It's not just the ones who come from far afield. Talk to Matt O'Riley who's come from just down the road and he'l tell you the other night was something he just hasn't experienced before. The club's been really good in understanding that we need to support these guys on and off the field. We've employed two more people to look after guys and make sure they get settled in. It's a big part of allowing players to focus on what's important for them. The welfare of our players is paramount to giving us the best opportunity to succeed.