Ange Postecoglou says he doesn’t care about comments from Rangers coach Neil Banfield.
And the Celtic boss insists it’s not his concern if something has upset Michael Beale’s Ibrox assistant as it’s nothing to do with him. Postecoglou made his feelings clear ahead of Sunday's Hampden Scottish Cup semi-final between the two clubs. During a recent interview, Banfield said that Rangers were “coming” for their rivals. However, more intriguingly, the Ibrox coach went further by stating Postecoglou has previously “said things that left a little taste in the mouth” and also claimed a quote from the Aussie following the Viaplay Cup Final in February had “landed” on him.
Asked what he made of such remarks, Postecoglou said: “Nothing. I’m not really sure what he’s referring to. It was mentioned to me that he was upset about something. I’ve said it a million times, every manager and every representative of every football club has the platform to use it the way they like to. It’s my prerogative not to worry about what they say. Look, if I was going to worry about what people say I wouldn’t have lasted a month here.
“They hardly rolled out the red carpet for me and I managed to survive that. There’s not much anyone else can say that’s going to make me worry or think about it too much.
“I know what’s important and what we are trying to do is make our work speak for itself. That’s what we’ll continue to do.”
Asked if he was annoyed that Banfield had not specified what had actually upset him, Postecoglou continued: “No because I don’t care. It doesn’t bother me. If something has upset him, it’s upset him. He can explain it. It’s got nothing to do with me. Like I said, we all have the opportunity to use the platform we have to speak to the broader audience and how you use that platform is up to each individual.”
Postecoglou’s focus is purely on tomorrow’s showdown and the chance to secure a Scottish Cup Final showdown against either Inverness Caley Thistle or Falkirk in June. Celtic go into the game on the back of two recent wins over their rivals including a 2-1 victory in February’s Viaplay Cup Final.
Although no away fans attended the last Premiership fixture at Parkhead earlier this month with the same arrangement in place for two weeks tomorrow when the teams meet at Ibrox, the National Stadium sell-out will be split 50-50 with fans.
Postecoglou wants it to be a memorable Hampden occasion with everyone on best behaviour and said: “It’s absolutely important for all of us, players, managers and teams. We want to put on a spectacle that everyone talks about and is memorable for all the right reasons. There will be plenty of colour, plenty of noise, a great atmosphere and, hopefully, a great football game.
“At the end of it, that’s what we want people to be talking about. It was a great atmosphere at the League Cup final and I’m expecting the same. I’m sure both sets of fans are looking forward to it.
“We’ve just got to do our bit and put on a good football match that will be remembered for the right reasons.”
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