Bad guys ..finish FIRST
BHOYS BOSS HAS FILM IN MIND BEFORE ANY TITLE CELEBRATIONS
ANGE POSTECOGLOU wants his Celtic side to motor through the title finish line at Tannadice this week.
The Hoops are now within touching distance of the Premiership trophy after seeing off Hearts 4-1 yesterday.
With a nine-point lead over Rangers – who play today –and a huge goal difference they’re all but champions.
But if Gers win today at home to Dundee United, Postecoglou urged his side to clinch it in style with a victory on their trip to Tannadice on Wednesday night.
He’ll be watching the ‘Bad Guys’ movie with his sons instead of tuning into events at Ibrox.
Without saying it, Postecoglou knows the title is Celtic’s. He said: “I’ll win it any old way, it doesn’t bother me. What’s important is that we’ve earned it.
“We’re not collapsing over the line. We’re strong and committed. Our performances and the challenges we’ve overcome reflect that. Any way it comes is fine. But more importantly, it’s fully deserved.
“My plans on Sunday? As I’ve said before, my boys take charge.
“There’s a new flick out called ‘The Bad Guys’. That’s on the agenda, so we’ll see how it goes.”
And given the celebrations after this beating of Hearts, the roof will come off the place when skipper Callum Mcgregor eventually lifts that trophy.
For a nervy 20 minutes, there was a bit of uncertainty as the Jambos got in front through Ellis Simms. But after goals from Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi, Matt O’riley and Giorgos Giakoumakis this result – and the destiny of the league flag –was never in doubt.
Postecoglou couldn’t hide his pride in the players who’ve now got one hand on the title.
And after a 30-game unbeaten run in the league, the manager is delighted at how they’ve responded to a tricky start to his reign. He said: “There is nothing wrong with enjoying the journey. It’s not always just about the destination.
“It was another top performance and that’s the greatest reward you can get, to see the joy it brings people.
“We conceded early, which hasn’t happened too much in this run.
You wonder how the group will respond but they were outstanding, they didn’t miss a beat.
“I never had any doubts. This group find a way to respond.”
Fans gave Portuguese winger Jota a standing ovation yesterday but Postecoglou again admits they still have work to do to secure him from Benfica.
Despite reports last week of a £6.5million deal being agreed, the coach said: “It was reciprocal – Jota showed his love for the fans and this club.
“He’s humble enough to know that he’s got the talent but you need a platform. This club have given him that.
“In terms of next year, with him and Cameron [Carter-vickers] we’re in a similar boat. If everyone wants something to happen, it’ll happen. There’s no guarantee any of us will be here next season – I mean I hope I am, but apart from that!”