Ange Postecoglou insists a Premier Sports Cup final success for Celtic will signal a new beginning for the club and help banish the failings of last season.
The Hoops boss will attempt to land his first trophy since arriving at Parkhead this summer when they face Hibs at Hampden on Sunday afternoon and he aims to create a culture where defeat is not an option.
Postecoglou admits the disaster of the previous barren campaign under Neil Lennon which saw Rangers reclaim the title and deny his club a historic ten-in-a-row still lingers as he looks to make his Celtic side serial winners.
He said: “I’ve said all along we are going to try and be as successful as we possibly can this year because that is what this club demands, particularly after a year where there was no success. There’s no extra significance for me at this moment because I realised that when I accepted this position and on Sunday we have a chance, an opportunity, to achieve that and that’s what we have to focus on.
“I sensed the importance when I accepted the position. I was under no illusion that irrespective of the external expectations of me that this club could have a season again like they did last year and that was my responsibility from the moment I accepted this position to make sure that we gave ourselves every opportunity to bring silverware back to the club. I haven’t wavered from that. I don’t think I’ve once given allowances to myself or the team to say ‘give us time, we’re a new team.”
Postecoglou’s rebuild has included 12 new signings and he is adamant every single member of his squad has been well briefed on the expectations and he’s convinced a Hampden triumph today can become the launchpad for further silverware this season.
He said: “We all realise it is a new team in just about every aspect in terms of player turnover, leadership positions.
“It's kind of a new beginning. But we all know, even the ones who have just come this year, what the expectations are when you represent this football club. It is that you bring success to it. I have tried to make sure all along that I am not going to make allowances for me or for the players of this team who are new that we can’t be successful. We have been really strong on that.
“We have our first opportunity to have success and if you can have success that builds even further belief in what we are doing.
“At the same time, that is the expectation. We come to this football club understanding that silverware is expected every year and in every competition that you participate in you are expected to try and be successful.
“This is our first opportunity and hopefully we can take it.”
The Australian has also called on the older heads inside his dressing room to take a lead and help them through a Hampden occasion where there will be no hiding place.
He said: “Whether it’s Callum McGregor, Tommy Rogic, Niro Bitton, James Forrest, Joe Hart’s been in some pretty big games, you want these guys to help steer the other guys on what to expect but they all have to be ready for it because in big games there’s no place to hide, there will be no cover or shelter for any individual. Every player will be exposed. Both teams will be exposed and you have to stand up to it and that’s what I want my players to - to embrace that.
“If you are playing for the club, these are the games you want to play and excel in.”
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