It was a year ago yesterday that Celtic thrashed Rangers 3-0 in a lightning performance that delighted 60,000 frenetic supporters at Celtic Park.
Goals from Reo Hatate and Liel Abada blew the Ibrox side away in an impressive first-half display, which really signalled that Celtic had regained power in Glasgow following a dismal 2020/21 campaign.
Reflecting on that result this afternoon, Ange Postecoglou believes his team are even better right now than they were on that night, in comments that should worry all of our opponents, not least the Ibrox side.
Postecoglou says Celtic are handling being chased
The Bhoys boss told a media conference [Celtic FC]: “Mentality has been a big part of this team. Aside from their football, the character they’ve shown and the resilience they’ve shown. That night last year was significant because it was the first time we went top of the table.
“As people always say, it’s one thing chasing and it’s another thing being chased. This group of players has handled it really, really well. I think the main reason is we haven’t really focused on our position in the table or on what the points situation is. What we’re focused on is trying to improve.
“As good as we were that night a year ago, I think we’re a better side now than we were last year. That’s always our aim – can we keep improving? Can we keep adding layers to our football and improving our players individually? We were very good before the break domestically but since the break, I think we’ve gone up a notch.”
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Celtic have the chance to show how good they are soon
The upcoming derby against Rangers at Hampden on February 26th is not going to be an easy game for Celtic. I don’t think anyone in the squad, the club or the support really believes that. It’s a game that has jeopardy no doubt.
However, it’s also a brilliant chance for these players to again show why they are considered the best in the country. A draw at Ibrox in January was far from a disaster. In fact, in the context of the season, it was a good result.
Lifting silverware at their expense, especially since they came out on top after extra time in the last Hampden meeting between the two clubs, would be up there as one of the most satisfying results under Ange Postecoglou.
If Celtic are better now than they were a year ago, as Ange believes, we must have confidence the Bhoys can take care of them once again, even though they’re under new management.
In other news, Reo Hatate reveals pivotal Ange chat in Japanese media appearance; inspiration from EPL star.