Ange Postecoglou admits he’s no fan of traditions being ‘messed about’ amid a furore over the Scottish Cup final’s altered kick-off time.
Celtic expressed their disappointment earlier this week after the Hampden showpiece against Inverness Caledonian Thistle was moved from its established 3pm slot to avoid a clash with the FA Cup final between Manchester United and Manchester City.
The June 3 fixture will now kick-off at 5.30pm, which drew anger from both sets of supporters and the clubs themselves. And while Postecoglou says the change does not affect his team, for supporters’ sake the Celtic manager would have preferred to stick with the norm.
“I guess it doesn’t make a difference because we are still going to play the game, just at a different time.” Postecoglou said. “I dont know, the Scottish Cup is one of those prestigious competitions, it ends the season at a certain date, at a certain time. I’m a traditionalist in a lot of those things, I love them because the provide historical context for why it is is played on the last day and at that time.
“I’m not too involved in the logistics for supporters, but for the Inverness supporters it is more of a challenge. I would have loved to have had it as it was; I don’t like these things being messed about.
“But at the end of the day, that is the decision, and we just have to get on it and make sure we play our football.”
Postecoglou’s immediate focus, however, is ensuring a second consecutive Premiership title becomes Celtic’s on Sunday with victory over Hearts at Tynecastle. Such days have become the norm for the Parkhead club in the modern era, but the manager says he will never take them for granted.
“You understand the significance of it,” he said. “We kinda knew this last month would be pretty significant. We have given ourselves a great platform to achieve some pretty special things, and have a special season.
“The result last weekend [against Rangers] helped set that up. Looking at the lads they had a very strong week at training and are looking forward to it. You don’t take these things for granted. We are in a great position, we have earned the right to be in this position, and now we have to perform at the levels we have to bring it home.”
