Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has given his thoughts on today’s semi-final defeat to Rangers.
The Bhoys lost out 2-1 after extra-time despite going ahead in the match through Greg Taylor.
It means there’ll be now be no hallowed treble this year but the manager is keen to move on and ensure that his squad finish off the season in the best way possible.
Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland [17:04], Postecoglou said: “It was a typical semi-final. A very tight game. Both teams had their moments and they took theirs in extra-time and unfortunately we couldn’t get over the line.”
The manager was then asked if he thought the intensity levels of Celtic dipped today, replying: “No I don’t think so. Not at all. I don’t know how many semi-finals you’ve played in but they’re always really tight affairs. Players are afraid to make mistakes because they know what’s at stake. I don’t think either team came off today without giving everything they had. It was a typical semi-final.”
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On Cameron Carter-Vickers’ big chance to make it 2-0, a key moment in the match, Postecoglou said: “Games like this are decided on moments and unfortunately it didn’t happen for us. We’ve just got to understand that and take that disappointment to fuel future endeavours.”
Postecoglou was then asked about the supporters and how they’d be feeling, to which he said: “They’ve been fantastic all year. I’m sure they’re all going home disappointed, as are the players as are all of us. The important thing is we use that disappointment to fuel the rest of the season and finish it off in the right way to get the rewards I think this group of players deserves.”
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There will be plenty of criticism coming the manager’s way over the next few days. Some of it will be deserved, some of it won’t be. That’s Scottish football.
No doubt there are lessons to take away from today’s match. It’d be silly to just brush it off.
However, the manager is right to point to the big picture and keep his team focused on the immediate league task.
Ross County away from home isn’t going to be a walk in the park next week and the players need to quickly bounce back and pick up all three points, or more pressure will arrive.
In other news, Chris Sutton issues rallying cry after Celtic derby defeat and nails what was missing today.