Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou knows the difference Hoops fans can make, but it’ll be an especially strange atmosphere in Livingston on Sunday.
Livingston have given Celtic fans three of the four stands, and announced a sell-out earlier today [LFC]. It might feel a bit like a Celtic home game, in terms of atmosphere, albeit at a venue where the Bhoys haven’t had much success in recent seasons.
Ange Postecoglou gave a typically diplomatic response when asked about the impact fans will make on Sunday. He also considered that it’s human nature for fans to be edgy, with groans of disapproval being heard at points against St Mirren, and against Bodo/Glimt at Celtic Park.
It’s all par for the course, Ange thinks. Albeit, the course this weekend will have a different feel to it.
Postecoglou said [Celtic FC]: “Our fans definitely can make a difference.
“It’s a tight little ground, and it’s a little bit unusual where our supporters will have three quarters of it.
“Our supporters have been really good all year. I understand human nature that they get a bit anxious around this time of the year as well. We can rely on external factors, is kind of where I’m at, at the moment. It’s about making sure we’ve focus, and when I say stay calm, I mean irrespective of whether there is atmosphere or there isn’t atmosphere. Or, whatever other challenges that lay before us.
“We’ve really got to focus on ourselves. We’ll go there, and I’m sure our supporters will be up for it. Livingston players will enjoy the atmosphere as well. We can’t rely on anyone else but ourselves to make sure we get the job done.”
For Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou, Livingston are another challenge to conquer
It’s a strange game for all kinds of reasons. Our record there is bizarre. The inability for Celtic to do the job on a plastic pitch is still a worry. The fact that Celtic fans will have the majority of a stadium where we’ve struggled? It’s all very weird.
And surely, very idiosyncratic to the Scottish game.
Nonetheless, it’s just another learning curve for the Celtic boss in his maiden Scottish season. And his approach, trying to block out external noise, is the best one to take.
Earlier this season, Celtic had a considerable amount of the Tony Macaroni, for all the difference it made. It still finished 1-0 to the hosts. This was at a time when Celtic supporters were still quite nervous about what the future held, albeit encouraged by some early Postecoglou performances.
The context this time is altogether different. We’re chasing a title, and a win against Livingston would do a lot to make that a reality.
Fans can make the difference. Ange Postecoglou knows that. But as ever, it’ll be a combination of important factors that will determine the result on Sunday afternoon.
Read more: Celtic star gives simple diagnosis for Bhoys’ Livingston struggles
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