Ange Postecoglou questioned, "does anyone really care?" as he was quizzed on his response to the Rangers rebuild this summer.
The Celtic boss was asked whether he was expecting a tougher title challenge next season with Michael Beale plotting an overhaul in the summer.
But, Postecoglou wasted little time on the subject as he sighed: "I don't know why that would even concern me to be honest..."
Rangers confirmed five first-team players would depart at the end of the season with Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent, Allan McGregor, Filip Helander and Scott Arfield departing.
It's thought it is the first step in Beale's plans to rebuild his squad for next season.
But Postecoglou wasn't interested in matters at Ibrox as he said: "Does anyone really care?"
Responding to the title challenge poser, he explained: "I think this time last year Rangers were in a Europa League final and in a Scottish Cup final and they strengthened after the season, didn't they?
"Yeah, so does it really...does anyone really care? Like seriously.
"We didn't start favourites my first year, didn't start overwhelming favorites this year, so people will say what they want mate.
"Everyone has got a plan until they get punched on the nose and then you reassess from there.
"When we start next year, and the games start everyone will see who is 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 so we just get on with it."
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