Celtic boss dismisses UCL 3QR question; took no interest in the draw

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has dismissed today’s UCL third qualifying round draw and admitted he had no interest in it.

The Hoops were drawn against either PSV or Galatasaray dependent on who wins their second qualifying round tie. Celtic fall into the same bracket as we look to see of FC Midtjylland to progress.

Postecoglou’s side will take on the Danish outfit tomorrow night in their first leg. The return game will see Celtic travel to the MCH Arena.

And the Celtic boss was in absolutely no mood to entertain talk of the next round just yet. So much so that he wasn’t even aware the draw was even on.

As quoted by Danish outlet Tipsbladet, Postecoglou said: “I’ll tell you that after we move on from this task. Because I think FCM will be tough enough for us. That’s where our focus is.

“I did not even know that there was a draw for the next round. We have spent the time training. I literally live one day at a time.

“FC Midtjylland had a fantastic European campaign last season. It’s a club I know well. There have been some Australians in the Danish league and I have been following their progress. So it will be a difficult challenge. That’s what we can expect. But there is a big carrot in front of us, and the reward can be great for us if we win.”

Celtic boss wise to only focus on Midtjylland; current UCL tie is tricky enough

Celtic really don’t need to go into this one with a mindset of who we could be playing in the next round. We did that last season and saw ourselves bundled out by Ferencvaros.

The fact is that our current tie against Midtjylland is tricky enough. They have such dangerous talents in the wide areas that can exploit Celtic, and we’ll have to be aware of that.

Postecoglou has done well not to give Midtjylland any extra encouragement here. It would’ve been easy to make a comment that allows our 2QR rivals to pin up on the dressing room walls.

By avoiding this, Postecoglou has shown himself to be respectful of the challenge ahead. Always a trait worth having for any Celtic manager.

Of course, as supporters, we know if we get through that PSV/Galatasaray will be a step up again. Many will be pessimistic and feel that our race in the qualifiers will have run its course.

However, we have to go in with a positive mindset. A powerful showing against Midtjylland will only boost the confidence levels at Parkhead. So let’s see how we fare in competitive action before crying disaster.

In other news: FRENCH Report: Sacha Boey not interested in Celtic move after agent interference