Ange Postecoglou says he won’t limit what Celtic can achieve by setting cast-iron targets.
The Parkhead side’s rampant form has given rise to suggestion they could even surpass the 106 point tally achieved by Brendan Rodgers’ invincibles back in 2016/17.
Doing so would require posting a near flawless final 14 fixtures, far from out of the question with Celtic easily overpowering a vast majority of domestic opponents.
But Postecoglou believes thinking in such terms could end up being counterproductive.
"I don't really set those kind of targets,” the manager said. “If you do that, you kind of put a ceiling on what you can do. If I set the target that we want to beat the team that Brendan had, then what happens if we beat it with two games to spare?
"Do the players think then, 'Well we have done it?' It's not the way I work. I never set those targets, I never set goals.
"Let's just be the best we can be and see where that takes us. If it means we fall short of an Invincible team that Brendan created, then it won't be for the want of trying.
"We are not settling on anything, we just want to be the best we can be. If we keep progressing the way we are, I think it will take us to a good space. We want to be successful and whatever comes of that, it will be off the back of us focusing on how we can be the best we can be.”
Key to maximising those ambitions is Jota’s resurgent form. The Portuguese winger’s campaign was slowed by injury and illness but he’s now very much back in the groove.
"People forget that Jota had an unbelievable start to the season,” Postecoglou said. “He was incredible in the first few months and then he picked up an injury, and also had a bit of illness. But I agree, he has been outstanding for us in the last couple of weeks.
"He has looked really bright with the ball, he is working hard and physically he is in great shape. Mentally he is in a great space and that is great for us.
"It all means he can finish the season really strong. If he is at his best, he isn't just a fantastic player for us but he is one who all our supporters love to watch. It's exciting every time he gets the ball.”
