Celtic must ensure we give no quarter to new rival boss Beale

Celtic will return from the World Cup break next Saturday at Pittodrie, itching to get back to it. The 12.30pm kick-off is etched on everyone’s mind, as it’s been on mines since before we paused the domestic calendar. It will be a return to the norm of watching Glasgow Celtic putting on a show.

That particular fixture has the potential to be a cracker, all things considered. Ange and the players have been working hard during this break to ensure we do everything we possibly can to prolong the success that was achieved in the Greek-Aussie’s first season. We are miles ahead of where we all thought we would be when the big man just came through the door.

But the key now is there can be no more hiccups like the St Mirren game away from home. We looked leggy and lethargic that day in Paisley, and it looked like a display more akin to that of Neil Lennon’s infamous team of the 2020/21 season. Bereft of ideas and ingenuity, we struggled severely to break down that defensive block Stephen Robinson sat before us.

It was a shock.

However, it could happen again; make no mistake about it. If we don’t apply the highest of standards like we should, we are not infallible in the Scottish Premiership. As the incomparable Jock Stein said: “I treat the next game like we could get beat”, and that must be the mantra now. No taking things for granted or expecting we will show up and canter it against everyone in sight.

No, as we’ve seen time and time again at this bizarre winter World Cup in Qatar, nothing is ever in the bank when it comes to football over 90 minutes. Bigger scalps than Aberdeen beating us at Pittodrie happen perpetually in the beautiful game. It can happen in the blink of an eye if your not careful and adopt the correct mental attitude.

Although I’m sure Ange Postecoglou will have been drumming that into his team whilst they were away together in Sydney and Portugal. I have all the confidence that Ange will not let the players slack off in this second, crucial part of the Scottish football season. There is too much at stake. We have the opportunity to demoralise their board and fanbase by winning another Treble and securing UEFA Champions League group stage football yet again.

Give them no leeway whatsoever bhoys. Their new man is good at bumping his gums and we’ll have a chance to shut his gob come 2 January at Ibrox. In the meantime, give him no quarter. Not the tiniest shred of hope that he can claw this back as he’s claimed. The last thing we need is for them to get the new manager bounce after we drop points when we just come back.

Foot to the floor, Celtic. It’s Showtime!

Paul Gillespie