Ange eyes more after epic Celtic triumph
An emotional Ange Postecoglou wants to return the favour to his “circle” of support by leading Celtic to the Scottish treble, an achievement that would be a true “reflection” of the Hoops’ dominance this season.
Under the guidance of the former Socceroos coach, the Glasgow giants sealed the second leg of the treble – the Scottish Premiership – with a 2-0 win over a 10-man Hearts at Tynecastle in the early hours of Monday morning.
And having already won the Scottish League Cup, Celtic can complete the treble next month by beating Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park.
“We’ve got a great opportunity to make this season really special,” Postecoglou told Sky Sports.
“We’ve worked had to get to this point, and it’s great to win the two trophies, and now we want to win a third.
“I want it for the players, I want it for this football club, for the staff because it’s a reflection of the team they’ve been this year.”
Goals to Kyogo Furuhashi and substitute Hyeongyu Oh at Tynecastle secured Celtic their 53rd premiership title with four rounds of the season to spare.
The Hoops have won 31 of their 34 premiership matches, and lost only one, with the other two finishing in draws.
They already have 95 points, which is 13 more than second-placed Rangers.
“Last year’s success we put to bed straight away and we really raised our standards this year,” said Postecoglou, who last season guided the Hoops to premiership and League Cup success.
“The year we’ve had we’ve had has been remarkable with the football that we’ve played and the consistency and the goals that we’ve scored.
“The boys have really risen to the challenge of trying to be successful on all fronts.
“It feels like a long year but this group of players and the staff have been outstanding, maintaining an almost impossible standard week in, week out.
“It’s a credit to every one of them and I’m super proud.”
Emotions got the better of Postecoglou as he expressed his gratitude for the support he had received.
“Plenty of people in my circle make sacrifices. My family, my kids ... I’ve got the easy bit. I’m doing what I love,” the former Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory mentor said.
“They’re the ones that are a constant support. Not just my family, my friends here, (and) in Australia.
“The whole football club really embraced me from day one. For that, I take pride that I’m able to give something back.
“It takes a hell of a lot to get to the point where we are. (It’s a) massive effort from everyone. You do get emotional because you understand what’s gone into it.”
