Celtic’s victory over Hibernian earlier tonight displayed the tremendous form Celtic currently have. However, with Hibs out of the way, Ange’s focus has now turned to the Glasgow derby on the 2nd of January.
Ange Postecoglou has admitted that theRangers seem to have had an upturn in fortunes in recent weeks but the Celtic manager has assured fans that he is confident that his team are up to the task facing them at Ibrox.
Celtic put four past Hibernian in their final clash of this year, while theRangers won 3-0 against Motherwell. This means that Celtic have increased their advantage by improving the vast goal difference lead on a night that the Ibrox club hoped to narrow the gap on the Champions.
Ange hasn’t really been interested in talking about Beale since his arrival at theRangers,but now he’s prepared to acknowledge that Beale has brought an identity to the playing style of the latest Ibrox club.
However, Ange will be confident as he prepares his side to take on on Monday and attempt to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Speaking on BBC Sportsound, Ange said…
“We have to be ready. We’re ready for every game, no game takes on more importance for us than the last. We know it’s a significant game for our supporters and to showcase what our league is about, and they’re second and we’re first.”
“There’s all those elements. But I can assure you we’ll put in as much preparation against them as we will against any other team. I think they’ve changed their shape a bit (under Beale). There’s definitely some more resilience with them in terms of belief.
“He’s done awfully well with four victories in four games, you can’t argue with that. At Ibrox it’s always a challenge and a tough game, but these are the games you always want to be involved in. We’re going in in some decent form.”
Celtic have had four victories too since the league started up again so there has been no favours handed out to Mick Beale because Celtic haven’t allowed that to happen.
Celtic go to Ibrox full of confidence knowing a win will essentially make any title challenge in the second half of the season fanciful for Mick Beale and his players.
