After learning about the rivalry between the two clubs in the Scottish Cup, Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou emphasized that they must play their "absolute best" against Inverness on Saturday.
In seven games this century, Caley Thistle has eliminated Celtic from the Scottish Cup three times, and in two of those victories, the Hoops had to come from behind.
Inverness' 3-1 victory against Celtic in their first meeting at Parkhead as a First Division club in February 2000 lost John Barnes his position as manager.
In 2003, four days after the Hoops' victory at Anfield, they also defeated Martin O'Neill's team on their way to the UEFA Cup final.
Postecoglou said to Celtic TV when informed that some were forecasting a walkover when the Scottish champions play a team that placed fifth in the Championship: "The people at this club don't tell me about that, they tell me about the past results against them, which makes you realise that if you are not on it on the day you can be beaten and there's consequences to that."I can guarantee that everyone in this building is approaching the situation with the mindset that we must perform at the top of our game on that particular day.
Since defeating Falkirk in the semifinals, Caley Thistle has only played once, falling to Ayr on May 5 in a dramatic loss that cost them the game.
When the cup final rolls around, they won't have played for over a month, so it's a bit of an odd one for them, Postecoglou remarked. They must have been working hard and fitting in some bounce games.Although it's a different opponent for us, it's still a cup final. The idea that you need to perform on the day and, if you do, there is a huge reward at the end of it, takes precedence over who your opponent is.
blogpay
The idea that you need to perform on the day and, if you do, there is a huge reward at the end of it, takes precedence over who your opponent is.
Total Comments: 0