Ange Postecoglou spoke to Celtic TV this afternoon from Hampden as the build-up to Sunday’s Viaplay League Cup Final against theRangers gets underway.
The Celtic manager started by revealing that both of his missing midfielders from the 4-0 win over Aberdeen are back fully fit and will now join the squad in training for the last few days ahead of the final. That means that both Aaron Mooy and David Turnbull will be in contention for a place in the squad for Hampden.
“Yeah, okay, obviously after the weekend there are no issues from the game and (David) Turnbull and Aaron (Mooy), we expect them to join training this week so at this stage everyone is good,”Ange Postecoglou told Gerry McCulloch from Celtic TV.
The Celtic manager went on to accept that the squad is in a very good place at the moment but pointed out that anything can happen in a cup final so the really important factor will be the players being ‘up for it’ against theRangers on Sunday.
“Look, as you say we are in good form. The stuff we can control, yes we are in a good space but it’s a Cup final, it’s a one-off game against a good opponent so you always know that irrespective of preparations you’ve got to be up for it.
“The lads have done everything right so far, there’s still a few days to go – we’ll be ready for it,” Ange said.
Asked about the feelings that the supporters will have this week, ranging from excitement to nervousness, Ange separated himself from those kind of emotions as he points out the important tasks that are his responsibility and that the supporters expect him to be on top of, this week of all weeks.
“I’m not supposed to be a supporter,” Ange said. “I think our fans expect me to feel like they do, they expect me to get this team prepared and that’s easy to do as that’s my role, that’s my responsibility.
“I still get excited that we’re in a final. I still get excited there’s a chance to win a trophy, all those kind of things is still there but the focus for me and the lads and everyone working down at Lennoxtown is to make sure that when the whistle goes we are ready,” he said, although at least half of that statement sounded like he’s a supporter just like me and you!
On the Hampden pitch, which was unfit for purpose for a national stadium for the two semi-finals, the good news is that the Celtic manager reckons that it’s much better condition and should not be an issue on Sunday so long as the weather doesn’t take a turn for the worse over the next few days.
“Yeah, it’s a lot better. It wasn’t in great condition for the semi-final but with the weather holding over the next few days it’s definitely in better condition,” Ange stated.
Here’s the interview…
🗣 “The focus for me, the lads, and everyone working at Lennoxtown is that when the whistle goes, we’re ready.”
Speaking exclusively to @CelticTV, Ange Postecoglou previews Sunday’s #ViaplayCup Final from Hampden #CELRAN | #COYBIG🍀 pic.twitter.com/5qfIfw5hHU
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 21, 2023
And here’s Ange dismissing talk of winning a treble..
