Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has reflected on the importance of lifting the Premier Sports cup as the Hoops prepare to enter this season’s competition.
The 57-year-old achieved incredible success during his first 12 months in the Parkhead dugout, leading the Bhoys to the Scottish Premiership title.
However, before our league success, Postecoglou also lifted his first piece of silverware back in December of last year.
After defeating Hearts, Raith Rovers and St Johnstone on their way to the final, Ange Postecoglou’s side defeated Hibernian 2-1 in a dramatic 90 minutes at Hampden Park.
Kyogo Furuhashi was the star of the afternoon, helping the Hoops fight back from going one goal down to lift the trophy.
As Celtic prepare to enter this season’s competition, taking on Ross County in Dingwall this evening, Postecoglou has reflected upon the importance of winning the trophy last December.
The former Socceroos boss admitted it was a ‘significant’ trophy for his squad, giving the players the added belief that things were headed in the right direction under his stewardship.
He said [STV]: “I think it was a significant trophy for us last year because we had a challenging start to the year but winning a trophy added belief into the group about the direction we were heading.
“It was important to win it, but that’s the nature of the club that irrespective of my feelings on a cup, the expectations are the same where you try and win every game and every competition you’re in.”
Early cup victory helped drive Celtic squad forward.
Ever since the League Cup in Scotland moved back to an earlier slot in the Scottish Football calendar, the trophy seems to have played a big part in Celtic’s success.
Over the past six years, Celtic have been dominant in this competition, lifting the trophy five times, and it has almost acted as a catalyst for success.
That was no different last campaign, and this squad seemed to really kick on in the aftermath of lifting that trophy, alongside the reinforcements that arrived in January.
I am sure Ange Postecoglou will be hoping his side can achieve similar cup success this season.
But, with the 2022/23 Premier Sports Cup final taking place in February next year, the Celtic manager may need to wait a little longer if he is keen to lift another piece of silverware.
In other news, Video: Celtic showcase impressive behind-the-scenes Lennoxtown set-up.
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