Ange Postecoglou looked ahead to Sunday’s Glasgow derby at Hampden in the Scottish Cup semi-final today at his pre-match Media Conference and is clearly looking forward to what he describes as being a super occasion.
“It is where you want to be whenever the big games come around. You want to be amongst it. The semi-final of the Scottish Cup at Hampden is going to be a super occasion. There is going to be a great atmosphere and the whole group is looking forward to it,” Ange said.
We just over a week to prepare for the game Ange outlined his thoughts on whether this was the strongest time of the season for his side and whether they were peaking just at the right time.
“I have said for a few weeks now that we are definitely the healthiest we have been all year in terms of the squad and people training,” Ange stated. “I think that is reflected in the intensity and tempo of our training which is helping us perform well in games. We are in a good place but the challenges don’t stop and we have to make sure we perform again on Sunday.”
Earlier in the week Ange reported via Celtic TV that he was waiting on scan results for Giorgos Giakoumakis and and was monitoring David Turnbull after taking a heavy knock against St Johnstone last Saturday. Today as we reported earlier, Ange gave a mixed news progress report on both with one of the two making the squad for tomorrow and also James Forrest getting back to full fitness to be in contention.
“The prognosis wasn’t anything too serious with Giakoumakis which is pleasing but it will probably keep him out this weekend we are pretty confident that he will be available for next weekend. Dave Turnbull trained – he’s fine. James Forrest trained and he’s fine as well,” Ange revealed.
Having beaten theRangers twice this year at Celtic Park and Ibrox, would the neutral venue with an equal split of supporters make a difference and what is the Celtic manager expecting in terms of the atmosphere on Sunday.
“It is a cup semi-final, irrespective of what the crowd is like, it is going to be a great atmosphere. It was in the semi-final and final of the League Cup and I expect the same and all the players will be excited about walking out there and performing in that kind of environment. It is a big game – we know that. There is a cup final place at stake and it should be a cracker,” Ange replied.
And what would outsiders thin of the Scottish game with Celtic playing attractive, successful football and theRangers still involved in the Europa League.
“It’s hard for me to have that measure,” Ange answered. “I think the quality of the games in the second half of the season has been of a high standard. I am sure people will take notice of those kinds of things.
“Both Derbies were good quality games and there is always tension when this time of the year comes and there is a lot at stake and you are guaranteed to have full stadiums. Anyone who has been up here for games will know how unique and electric the atmosphere is. How people measure it I am not really sure and it is going to be a fantastic final month of the season.
“Hopefully, it gets the right kind of attention and people will appreciate what they see.”
Asked if he is pleased with his central defence partnership of Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers and also about the latter’s contract being signed soon Ange avoided the latter point saying this.
“I think we have improved as a team in all aspects of our game which is only natural. When we started the season at least three of the back four hadn’t even signed for us and it was always going to take a little bit of time.
“We all know that particularly with the defensive side of the game and understanding that having cohesion is really important. I think as a team our game has evolved in all aspects – attacking, defending – and I think that’s down to the collective effort of all the players rather than individuals finding some form. I think they have all been in good form all season and it takes a little bit of time to get that understanding.
“Cam and Carl have been outstanding for us as have Stephen Welsh and Tony Ralston. All of the defenders and Joe Hart will tell you that our defending starts at the front. I think there is an appreciation from all of those guys for the collective effort it takes to make sure that we continue to be a strong team defensively and allow our attacking players the platform to play.”
To be continued…
Watch Ange’s Media Conference – which features questions from The Celtic fan media – from earlier today below.
Liam Kelly tells the fascinating story of the Early Celtic Ultras – the fabulously named Johnstone Vigilante Committee….
