Celtic are the champions of Scotland again – the outrageously consistent Bhoys put the trophy beyond doubt last weekend and now sit thirteen points clear of their rivals across the city.
Tomorrow, in what will certainly be an unusual-feeling derby at Ibrox, the clubs will meet for the sixth time this season in a match, compared with your typical Glasgow Derby, of little consequence.
But occasions like this demonstrate why Celtic found a match made in heaven with Ange Postecoglou. The Aussie, much like the Celtic support, does not do days off.
The game is still absolutely a significant one, and no one will feel that way more-so than Ange. His team are four matches from amassing the highest points total in Celtic history.
Such an achievement would be especially cherished by the perfectionist-minded Postecoglou, who has moulded his Hoops squad into an unrelenting winning-machine that trains in such an ultra-competitive environment that stopping is not an option for his players.
The effectiveness of his message is why, despite Michael Beale’s varied attempts to crack the champions, he is yet to prevail from his first four attempts. Context within games, especially derbies, changes all the time – Celtic’s approach does not.
Whether the Celts are stylishly outperforming their opponents or find themselves in a more competitive fight, it is the clarity of Angeball which ensures that the result is always the same – his message is a winning one.
As Rangers go into tomorrow’s encounter second, third and fourth-guessing themselves, the psychological edge will be with Ange’s champions. These players know exactly what is demanded of them, and exactly how to deliver it.
Regardless of who starts, the away bench will contain a group of players perfectly capable and strongly motivated to affect the game when their chance comes, with a Scottish Cup final beckoning in June.
What we are seeing is the team Ange Postecoglou has envisioned for his entire coaching career-hungry, entertaining and relentless. He will not let them lose their way with a place in history at stake.
Nor will Michael Beale be comfortable with his side seeing the match as a ‘free hit’- with an already bleak derby record hanging over his head, his desperation to get one over on the Parkhead boss will be reflected in his side’s approach.
What the Hoops showed in the second half at Hampden a fortnight ago, however, was a streetwise composure and patience stemming from an already plentiful experience of victory in this fixture as a group.
The notable absence of Cameron Carter-Vickers will cast another question mark over the squad’s depth, but for Yuki Kobayashi there is an opportunity to slot in as the latest example of Ange’s ability to identify perfect fits from afar.
The stage is set for another derby showdown, and it is one that will mean just as much as those gone previous for Celtic’s cherished man at the helm, regardless of whatever narratives are drawn from the league table.
And hopefully for us as spectators and fans, it will be yet another 90 minutes of watching Glasgow Celtic putting on a show against our bitter rivals.
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