Ange Postecoglou has hailed Celtic’s progression insisting his side are currently showcasing some of their strongest performances since he took over as manager.
The Parkhead boss is preparing to lead his side into the League Cup semi-final stages for the second season running with Kilmarnock the opponents at Hampden Park on Saturday.
Winning the League Cup was Postecoglou’s first taste of silverware as Celtic manager and he hopes his side can go all the way again in this year’s edition of the tournament.
Asked what has impressed him most about the team, Postecoglou told Celtic TV: “I think the team’s progression. We got off to a great start in terms of our season.
“Performances were strong and results were obviously good. We had the slight blip against St Mirren, but aside from that, taking into account Champions League football, fixture schedules, the consistency of the boys.
“More importantly I have said the progression in the team. We are still evolving and getting stronger. Post the break I think there have been some of our strongest performances. That is the pleasing aspect and we need to keep doing that until the end of the year.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s showdown at Hampden, the Aussie boss continued: “I have enjoyed the wins, I didn’t enjoy the loss. That is always the main thing I guess.
“Hampden is a unique venue in that whenever you play there you know that there is something on the line. You aren’t playing there in just another game.
“It is either a semi-final or a final. I think the fact both clubs can bring fans, I just think it makes a great occasion and certainly for us we look forward to it.
“Whilst we weren’t successful in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup I still enjoyed all three games for the occasion they are.
“For us to make it memorable we have to perform and win.”
Asked if the League Cup had a special place in his heart, Postecoglou added: “It is all special. Where we were on our journey to win silverware so early, it helped fast-track many of the things I wanted to implement.
“Winning a trophy gathers belief in everything you are doing and accelerates everyone’s learnings.
“It was a very important part of our season.”
