Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has insisted that his side won’t have one eye on Wednesday’s glamour Champions League tie at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Madrid because tomorrow’s Premiership clash with Livingston is more important for returning to the competition next year.
Though their Champions League campaign ended after defeat again Leipzig on Matchday 4, Postecoglou’s side have shown promise in their return to the competition after five years without qualifying, and despite only picking up two points so far, performances have merited more.
The Aussie insists that his team are focussed on returning to the competition rather than simply resting on this season’s efforts, and that starts with winning the Scottish Premiership again.
As reported by The Herald, Postecoglou said: “Our priority is the league every year – because that’s how you qualify for the Champions League.
“I said this week; our job is not to be in the Champions League every five years. Our job is to be a Champions League side every year – and that means winning the league.
“That will always be our priory as long as I’m here. The league is our number one target because that gives us the platform to grow as a football team. That won’t change irrespective of other competitions we are in, the league is our priority.”
Despite the allure of the Bernabeu fixture in five days time, Postecoglou insists that Celtic have all eyes on Livingston tomorrow, as they look to maintain their four point lead at the summit of the Scottish Premiership.
He said: “We know what game is most important – and it’s the next game,”
“We’ve had a really hectic schedule and we’ve had to stay focused. Our form in the league has been really strong. Particularly when you go to a place like Livingston, you need to have all your attention on the task ahead.
“If you start to look beyond then you are going to slip up. If you look at what we have done in the league so far, that would be a backwards step. The only thing we are looking at is Livingston and hopefully getting the job done.”
Once again, the Celtic manager has demonstrated the perfect attitude for the situation, and knowing how meticulous Postecoglou is, there can be little doubt that it’s one that the Celtic squad will also share.
With four league games left before the World Cup, it’s essential that Celtic don’t take their foot off the gas, so that the gap between themselves and Rangers stays a healthy one going into the break.
Despite the disappointment of the Champions League campaign, things are looking rosy for Celtic domestically, and more silverware to add to last campaign’s double should rightly follow.
In other news: Report: Real Madrid talisman Benzema a doubt for Celtic Champions League closer
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