Ange Postecoglou has stated that ‘success is expected’ of everyone from their first day at Celtic and winning silverware will always be the ‘priority’, via quotes by the Daily Record.
The Australian replaced Neil Lennon at the helm in Glasgow this summer. And he may soon have his first chance to lift a trophy with the Parkhead side in the League Cup.
Celtic face holders St Johnstone in the semi-final on Saturday. As they continue their effort to right the wrongs of last season’s shock second-round exit at home to Ross County.
Celtic have already beaten St Johnstone once this season, with Postecoglou’s side edging a 2-0 affair last month.
The Bhoys’ win came amid a current unbeaten run of eight games across all competitions. Celtic last tasted defeat on September 30 against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League.
St Johnstone do not carry the same form into the League Cup showdown with Celtic. They have only won two of their last seven games, and have not beaten the Hoops since 2016.
Postecoglou issues Celtic ‘priority’ verdict ahead of St Johnstone League Cup clash
Despite Celtic enjoying a 19-game unbeaten run over St Johnstone, Postecoglou expects a tough test in the League Cup semi-final.
But considers the game a great chance to edge closer to his first silverware as Hoops boss.
“The League Cup is a priority because it’s always a priority for this club,” Postecoglou said. “When you join this club, in whatever capacity you come in, success is expected and standards of play and results are expected. Every competition we are in is a priority.
“I’m not discounting anything just because I happen to be new in the door and I’m not giving that allowance to the players who are new to it, either.
“We are all here for one thing and that’s to bring silverware to this football club, because that is the expectation. We still have to get through a semi-final before we start thinking about that and that’s where the focus is.
“Saturday will be a massive challenge for us, but what a brilliant opportunity to get to that final stage. That’s where our focus is and that will always be our focus, irrespective of the competition.”
While Postecoglou states his focus is on St Johnstone and the League Cup, he will surely also be considering Celtic’s Premiership and Europa League campaigns.
The Hoops visit Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday and can go within a point of the Bundesliga side with a win.
But defeat will leave the Bhoys unable to progress out of Group G if Real Betis also beat Ferencvaros. With Leverkusen potentially top on 13-points and Real Betis second with 10, to Celtic’s current six.
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