Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has emphasised the importance of his team keeping their discipline in tomorrow’s high-stakes derby against Rangers.
With silverware on the line in this fixture for just the second time in a decade, it’s a derby that nobody is going to forget whether on the winning or losing side.
Undoubtedly there’ll be an edge to proceedings with neither team backing down in duels and physical battles. But Postecoglou wants his team to prove themselves on the ball, not taking part in any extra-curricular challenges.
As quoted by The Scottish Daily Mail [25/02 print edition, back page], Postecoglou said: “For me, all the teams I’ve coached, I want them to be super competitive. But I don’t believe super competitive means you should be ill-disciplined in that.
“All the teams I’ve coached, I’ve tried to instil in them a real strong will and desire to be the best within the confines of the laws of the game. I just don’t see any reason to go outside of that. That’s not always going to be the case. Sometimes players will get yellow or red cards inadvertently for trying to do the right thing.
“But off-the-ball stuff, I’ve just never been a fan of. I’ve never seen it as part of trying to be successful. It’s certainly not something I try to encourage. Most of my teams, we’ve always had a good disciplinary record because of that. If you want to show you’re courageous or strong, then go and win the ball. That’ll do me.”
It’s a strong message and it’s hopefully one taken on board by the players. With VAR being so unpredictable in the initial months of its rollout and Scottish referees not exactly known for their good decision-making, the Bhoys can’t afford to be drawn into any silly off-the-ball antics.
Nick Walsh is the man in the middle tomorrow, with John Beaton on VAR duties. Club legends such as Kenny Dalglish have already spoken with trepidation about what we could see from them at Hampden.
Anything could happen but if Celtic keep their discipline it will mitigate any annoying interference from the officials.
In other news, Celtic icon Scott Brown fittingly wins derby this weekend as his team power clear of relegation.
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