IT’S NOT TWO HORSE RACE
has no interest in turning into an Old Firm duel, with the likes of Hearts boss Robbie Neilson looking to keep his side involved.
He said: “Every game is a challenge.
“If you start thinking you’re only involved in a two-horse race, then there’s no doubt if it turns into a two-horse race you will finish second.
“That’s because you’ve disregarded the rest of the field. I’m not going to do that and I haven’t done that. Let’s just keep our pistols in our holsters for a little while.
“There are going to be things which happen within games.
“At the weekend against Aberdeen, we started well and then you get a penalty awarded against you and there was a challenge within that game.
“If you start thinking you can just focus on next week or that this one is not for us this week, then it doesn’t matter how many horses are in the race – you are definitely not going to finish first.
“I’m just not interested in people focusing on a two-horse race as, for me, every game is a challenge, particularly when games come thick and fast.
“I’m not going to disrespect any opponent and we’re not going to think any opponent is going to be any simpler a challenge than any other.
“It’s the same three points and it’s all about putting those three points in the bank.”
Postecoglou is targeting new recruits next month despite admitting he’s pleased with the progress made and squad building since arriving this summer.
He said: “It doesn’t change my view – I still think we need more.
“Squad wise, we are not where we want to be.
“It’s only natural that we wouldn’t be.
“We’ve added 12 players and it would have been too much to bring in any more than that. I knew at the end of the transfer window that it still wasn’t enough. Nothing’s changed, although I’m really pleased we have managed to get through this period thus far.
“We’ve got a lot of games to go and most of the players are up and running and available.
“We are starting to get to a good level.
“The resilience we showed coming back from Germany and playing three days later is a good sign for the team as well.
“My view is that we can still improve the squad and we want to improve it in January. The club is supporting me in that.
“Some guys will be going on loan and some will be moving out.
“That’s only natural as everything progresses.
“Some of that will depend on the players themselves and where they feel they are at.
“I expect some players will be moving on.”
While he will have Nir Bitton and Tom Rogic available for tonight, Postecoglou admits longterm absentee Christopher Jullien is still some way off a return to action.
A knee injury has kept him out for 11 months and his boss added: “He’s working away, he’s not close yet and when he gets close I’ll let people know.
“But right now he’s just working away.”