Ange Postecoglou has insisted he won’t let killjoys spoil the fun of winning trophies with Celtic.
A somewhat prickly Parkhead boss came out swinging on Tuesday after his side’s form came under scrutiny following a defeat and a draw in back-to-back matches against Rangers and St Mirren. Postecoglou takes his side to face Hibs away tonight in the league while focussing on the end of season showpiece of a Scottish Cup Final clash with Inverness Caley Thistle.
And, although he’s been boosted by the return to training of Alistair Johnston ahead of that Hampden showdown, Postecoglou appeared irked by suggestions that his team may have hit an end of season wobble. Asked about the reaction following successive blips he said: “I don’t know, mate. That doesn’t penetrate my world. I don’t know what the analysis is but from my perspective, we have won the league again. That was fantastic and we won it in stronger fashion than we did last year, which was the objective. Now we have a cup final to look forward to.
“Beyond that, we are in a position where we have accomplished what we need to and we are enjoying the fact we are champions again. If people want to try to take the joy out of that in some shape or form, then that’s their prerogative. But it won’t affect the way we feel and what we do.”
Postecoglou - who was crowned Glen’s SPFL Premiership manager of the season - also reacted sharply when quizzed by broadcasters about the rebuilding work currently underway across Glasgow at Ibrox.
He said: “I don’t know why that would even concern me to be honest. I think this time last year Rangers were in a Europa League final and a Scottish Cup final and they strengthened after the season didn’t they? So, does anyone really care? Like seriously?
“We didn’t start favourites in my first year, probably weren’t overwhelming favourites this year so people will say what they want mate. Everyone’s got a plan until they get punched on the nose and you reassess from there.
“When we start next year, everyone will see who’s really strong and who isn’t strong and all that sort of stuff. Right now, league wise anyway, it’s the equivalent of junk time mate. We just get on with it.”
Full-back Johnston has been out of action since limping out of that 3-0 Old Firm defeat but is on course to be passed fit for the final. Postecoglou said: “Alistair is back in training and won’t be ready for the Hibs game, but should be okay for the weekend.
“It’s good to have him back. We will see how he goes the next few days and take it from there. It was a sore one at the time but he has worked hard in rehab with the medical team.
“Thankfully it wasn’t too serious and with the cup final at the start of June, he was keen to get back as quickly as possible.”
And the Celtic boss spoke of his delight at receiving yet another individual work for his outstanding work with the champions.
He said: “It’s nice to win and great recognition for all the hard work. We had a challenge to improve on a great first season and we had to build on it.
“The way we have embraced that challenge has been outstanding. We have won two trophies and now we have a chance to get a third and make it a really special season.”
