Ange Postecoglou has stated that Celtic needed to hammer Ross County yesterday in order to ease any title anxiety that may have been growing.
The Hoops continued their incredible unbeaten run by stretching it to 31 with a 4-0 mauling of the Staggies. A hat-trick from Giorgos Giakoumakis and a goal from Daizen Maeda wrapped up yet another crucial 3 points. It’s a result that keeps Celtic 3 points clear of Rangers with only 7 games remaining.
As such, the tension is getting cranked up as we edge ever closer to the closing stages of what’s been a compelling title-race. So far, that tension hasn’t shown when it comes to the Celtic player’s performance levels.
And Ange believes that’s exactly why it was important to make a strong statement against County. To ensure that everyone was in no doubt where Celtic are at mentally heading into the remaining games.
Speaking at a press conference in which 67HailHail were in attendance, Ange said: “I don’t think our players had lost ruthlessness but it’s very easy to succumb to anxiety at this time when the stakes are so high.
“It’s important that we keep playing our football and don’t shy away from that. That’s why it was important not just to win the game but to make a statement about playing our football against a side that has been in great form. We need to stay really strong in terms of our resilience and our commitment to what we’ve started to do.”
Celtic in the Premiership driving seat as rivals show their weaknesses
There’s something about Celtic just now. Something special. You feel that if we were about to throw this Premiership title away, at the very least we would be showing some major weaknesses.
But that couldn’t be further from the truth. In recent weeks as things have gotten more intense, our performance levels have gotten back up to the required standard. Convincing victories at Livingston and Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup only boosted confidence further. Yesterday’s rout always looked like it was on the cards.
Meanwhile, it’s Rangers that appear to be all over the place when it comes to their title push. Yes they’re into the last 8 of the Europa League, but they’re struggling badly to perform on a domestic level.
Today it took them until the 86th minute to beat the team sitting bottom of the Premiership. 2 weeks ago they needed another late goal to beat Aberdeen who have struggled badly this season. They’re toiling, and so long as we keep the pressure up, they’ll crumble.
Of course, next up is a trip to Ibrox after the international break. A win there and many will believe the title is definitely on its way to Celtic Park. But even if we only get a point, the pressure will still seriously be on Giovanni van Bronckhorst and his side.
It’s going to be intriguing to see if we can get over the line here. We certainly have plenty to prove. But title anxiety? Certainly not going by yesterday’s display.
In other news, “A big honour” Celtic pair left buzzing after ending their international absences
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