Ange Postecoglou will be looking to guide Celtic to a second straight Scottish League Cup, when they take to the Hampden Park pitch this weekend against the Rangers. Not only is silverware up for grabs, but there is also the added pressure of it being a Glasgow Derby. Thus, both sides will be desperate to get the job done.
At the same time though, it is important to be calm in these situations as well. That way, there is less probability of making a mistake.
Postecoglou will know that well, having been in management for over two decades now and having enjoyed success in Australia, Japan and now Scotland, and also at international level with the Socceroos. And he had a clear message to send before the League Cup final.
As reported by Sky Sports, the Celtic manager said:
"“For me it is (easy) because it has been my job for 26 years.“When a pilot lands a plane he knows what he is doing.“You are not making it up as you go along so I like to think that after 26 years I know what I am doing.“I am still a human being. I am not happy when we don’t win and I am delighted when we do.”"
Celtic boss sends superb message before League Cup final vs Rangers
Postecoglou’s experience is a direct contrast to that of Michael Beale, who started earlier this season. His first role was with QPR but he did not stay there even six months before making the jump to Ibrox when the opportunity presented itself, following the exit of Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
One has to admit that the Rangers have improved following the appointment of Beale. But at the same time, it is way too early to declare his a success story at Ibrox.
The feeling around Beale has been very positive till now. But that could all change if the Rangers end up losing the Scottish League Cup final. At the same time though, there is a lot riding on this game for Celtic as well.
It will set the tone for the rest of the season and a treble is still on for the Hoops, with them leading the Premiership title race by nine points and are also in the Scottish Cup quarter-final.