Celtic boss Ange delivers another one-liner amidst treble talk

By Euan Davidson

March 15, 2022

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou gave reporters a chuckle amidst a more serious conversation about what could be ahead for the Bhoys.

Although the mood from the Celtic camp has been about taking each game as it comes, Postecoglou allowed himself the chance to make a one-liner. He’s only human, after all.

The Bhoys steamrollered past Dundee United at Tannadice last night, going into cruise control after Callum McGregor’s early goal from a corner. Giorgos Giakoumakis added two later on – neither will win the Puskas Award – but they all count. Celtic were through, and Rangers await.

Ange Postecoglou, speaking to reporters after the game, admitted this was the situation he wanted to be in. Though he’s not getting carried away, he knows what’s expected of Celtic.

Ange Postecoglou said [Clyde 1 Superscoreboard]: “We’re one step away from challenging for another trophy.

“At this part of the year it’s the position you want to be in.

“It was a big prize for us tonight, big prize for Dundee United as well. We handled all that really well… at the start it was all trouble, now it’s all treble, is it?

“That was terrible… there’s your headline!

“The important thing is we’re still in the competition, and at this point of the year we’ve given ourself an opportunity to have more success. That’s the expectations on me, everyone involved in the football club, the players – we need to embrace that.

“Just because we’ve won a trophy already, doesn’t mean we can say it’s been a good season. We want to try and win every competition we’re in, and give ourselves a chance to do that. Particularly at this end of the season.”

Ange Postecoglou keeping things in perspective but it’s an exciting time for Celtic

The Celtic boss will stress stoicism and perspective from his players going forward; they’re still surely nowhere near the standard Ange Postecoglou wants long-term.

Still, for all the talk of Ange Postecoglou needing time to implement his ideas to be successful at Celtic early in his reign, it’s an interesting situation right now. Whisper it, but Postecoglou could emulate both Martin O’Neill and Brendan Rodgers with a treble in his first season at Celtic Park.

You have to credit the manager here. He could’ve quite easily lost it at the press during various points this season. I don’t mean a blunt one-liner, either; any human being being doubted so thoroughly and comprehensively as he was early in 21-22 couldn’t have been blamed for being ice cold with reporters.

He understands the culture, though. The hyperbole around Celtic and Rangers is at overdrive, 24/7. Postecoglou will realise that reporters have to ask questions that might seem over-the-top, or unnecessarily conclusive at various points in the season. Now that Celtic are in the ascendency, the mood has shifted.

It’s interesting to hear him tackle the concept of a treble head-on, though. All the way through, he’ll have the belief that Celtic could challenge for the three domestic trophies. Now he can say it in all sincerity.

We’re probably further ahead of schedule than we realistically could’ve hoped. Ange is more than entitled to enjoy it.

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