It is never nice to lose in the semi-final of a cup competition. Sunday’s Scottish Cup result was a tough one to take for all involved, especially since it came against Rangers.
But, the most important part is about how you bounce back from that disappointment, and since suffering the 2-1 extra-time loss, all the right messages have been coming out from Ange and his players.
After the final whistle, we saw a moment between the squad, as Callum McGregor gathered the players in a huddle, showing togetherness and why this squad have been able to work wonders this season.
The latest to come out with that same message is Celtic defender Greg Taylor.
It could have been an entirely different afternoon for the Hoops left-back had his strike ended up being the winning one for Ange Postecoglou’s side.
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Instead, Taylor, like all Celtic fans, found themselves feeling frustrated and disappointed at the end of the 120 minutes.
However, the 24-year old has insisted that the players have worked hard to get Sunday’s defeat out of their system and are now ready to bounce back this weekend against Ross County.
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When asked about feeling at Lennoxtown this week: “It hurts for a few days. It was a big game and a big opportunity we didn’t take. So it did hurt for a few days,” he said, speaking to Celtic TV.
“But with football, you’ve got to move your focus to the next game. That’s what we’ve done. We trained well today, and we’ll prepare for Sunday.”
The full-back also opened up on the moment between the players at the end of the game, orchestrated by the Celtic captain.
Asked if that coming together was a sign of the togetherness built this season, Taylor said: “Yeah, exactly. We’ve got five big league games to go now, and we need to finish with five strong performances. We know what’s at stake come the end of that, and we understand what’s needed.
“It was just about regaining focus, knowing how well we’ve done so far – but there’s still a job on hand.”
This Celtic side has shown their ability to bounce back before this season – it’s time to do so again.
It has been a long season for Ange Postecoglou and his players, which has seen all involved with the club go on a rollercoaster journey of emotions.
There have been some downs, including Sunday’s defeat. But this group of players have shown their ability to bounce back from several disappointments throughout the campaign, such as defeats in Europe and frustrating results domestically.
This weekend will prove as another opportunity for the players to do exactly that.
There is no doubt about it; going to Dingwall and facing one of the form sides in the league will be no easy feat. But, this squad have shown they are more than capable this season.
That moment at the end of the game, kickstarted by Callum McGregor, could prove as a catalyst for the Bhoys to go on and lift the Premiership title in the final five games of the season.
Let’s get it done.
In other news, Referee and officials announced for Celtic’s trip to face Ross County.