There is much more of a feeling of rivalry between Ange Postecoglou and Michael Beale, than was between the Celtic boss and former Rangers manager, Giovanni van Bronckhorst. The previous Glasgow Derby ended in a 2-2 draw at Ibrox and the next time the two sides meet, it will be at Hampden Park with the Scottish League Cup up for grabs.
Of course, both are the top two in the Premiership right now as well. Celtic are leading by nine points with 13 league games left to be played though. Thus, it is safe to say that the Hoops are the favourites to lift the title come the end of the campaign.
Even Beale admitted recently that the chances of the Rangers catching up to Celtic in the Premiership title race were low. Even though, he did not completely give up on the matter and seemed to be hoping for a turn in momentum.
As reported by The Scottish Sun, Postecoglou was recently asked if he was interested or surprised by Beale’s words, and the Celtic manager said:
"“Neither, mate. I haven’t heard the comments but I think your original point is probably the most accurate, I don’t really pay any interest to it.”"
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It is safe to say that that in many ways is the perfect response. To not keep an eye and an ear out for what Beale is saying.
Postecoglou has a much bigger task at hand at the moment, which is to lead Celtic to a second straight league title and hopefully, more pieces of silverware on top of that as well. Whether he is successful in that regard or not remains to be seen.
It is fair to say that Beale has created quite a bit of controversy with some of his comments since becoming the Rangers manager. Whether it be his ‘lucky man’ claim about Postecoglou or some recent ones which seemed to be aimed at Chris Sutton.