Ange Postecolgou was understandably delighted after his side hammered Hearts 3-0 in the Scottish Cup quarter-final at Tynecastle this afternoon. Celtic came out of the traps flying and Hatate and McGregor knocked on the door in the opening minute before Aaron Mooy made it third time lucky to give the Hoops the lead inside two minutes.
Celtic controlled the first half and got their reward just before the interval when Alistair Johnston’s brilliant delivery allowed Kyogo to beautifully flick the ball into the net to double Celtics lead.
Cameron Carter-Vickers headed a third, his first of the season in the second half and that was round about the time the fire alarm must have gone off in the three stands housing the Hearts fans and they very efficiently evacuated the stadium. It was a pity because they could have otherwise hung around to watch Glasgow Celtic putting on a show…
Here’s what Ange Postecoglou had to say to Viaplay Sports after the match with some photography from Matt Cott and Matthew Marr who were both at Tynecastle this afternoon…
🗣️ “We started the game really strong, we knew we had to!”@CelticFC manager Ange Postecoglou is interviewed after a 3-0 win in the Scottish Cup 🟢#ScottishCup pic.twitter.com/K77fQaYtTJ
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) March 11, 2023
Ange Postecoglou: “We started the game really strongly. We knew we had to – when you come to Tynecastle you don’t want to get the crowd up and about too much. The boys did a really good job of starting the game strongly. We could have scored within the first few minutes and then we’ve got our goal. I thought overall we really controlled the game well. There were a couple of spells where, as we expected with them being the home team they created a couple of things. Joe pulled off a great save and, yeah, our football was pretty good.”
😍 Aaron Mooy with today’s opener! #HEACEL | #ScottishCup | #COYBIG🍀pic.twitter.com/SQWeY6JjGi
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) March 11, 2023
Viaplay Sports: Aaron Mooy has scored a few important goals for you, hasn’t he? It took him a while to get in the team and now it’s difficult to leave him out…
Ange Postecoglou: “He’s going well. It’s no secret that he came in, in horsing parlance, underdone. He’d been in a paddock for a while but he looked after himself and he worked hard. Look, I was in no doubt that once he got up and running and fit he’d be a key contributor. He was great.”
That is AUDACIOUS from Kyogo! 😱😱
A brilliant backheel flick to double @CelticFC‘s lead 🍀
“Oh that is masterful!” 🎙#ScottishCup pic.twitter.com/LJDAgSNPL9
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) March 11, 2023
Viaplay Sports: You were probably frustrated not to add to that first goal before you actually did but scoring just before half-time can be a big psychological boost as well?
Ange Postecoglou: “Nah I was frustrated. I think, for me, it’s always how we’re playing and I thought we were controlling and creating chances. I get frustrated if we’re not controlling the game or we go away from what we do so whether we scored or not we had a good, important first 45 minutes away from home. But getting the second goal gave us a big boost as well.”
CCV! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
— U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (@USMNT) March 11, 2023
Viaplay Sports: Cameron Carter Vickers sometimes sneaks under the radar in terms of his performances – he was quietly effective as always but also got a goal today which I guess puts him in the headlines… I guess he’s always in your headlines?
Ange Postecoglou: “I dunno about that. I’d say he’s probably the best defender in the league. If anyone disputes that I’d be happy to put up an argument. I don’t think he goes under the radar at all. But he’s been an outstanding player for us for the last 18 or so months and he is a guy who’s constantly working on his game to improve. It was great for him to get a goal tonight because defenders love those kinds of things but it’s what he does for us at the other end that’s really important.”
Viaplay Sports: The treble – is it in your sights?
Ange Postecoglou: “We’ve got Hibs next week, mate. That’s what’s in my sights. As boring as that may seem, it seems to be working for us so I’m not going to change that formula.”
Matthew Marr’s debut Celtic book – ‘The BOULD BHOYS – Glory to their name’ comes out on to Friday 24 March. Thanks to everyone who has ordered since we announced the book on Monday evening via an interview with the author. Please note that all pre-ordered books will be personally signed by Matthew Marr and you can order below if you’d like a signed copy posted out to you 24 March.
READ THIS...‘The Bould Bhoys – Glory to their name’ by Matthew Marr
