IT is a rare occurrence that neither the manager of Celtic nor Rangers are approaching the summer with any fear of being handed their P45. Such are the mechanics of the Glasgow rivalry, success for one usually means failure for the other.
This year though both Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou and Rangers counterpart Giovanni Van Bronckhorst are almost untouchable, scoring highly in the approval ratings with their own corresponding set of supporters.
From Postecoglou’s perspective, his popularity with the Celtic fanbase has rarely been in doubt since the early days of his reign, and will only sky-rocket further if his team get the point they need this evening at Tannadice to officially seal a title win they seem to have been celebrating now for weeks.
But just because his job isn’t under threat doesn’t mean that Postecoglou isn’t under pressure. That pressure though comes from within, placing his own demands on himself to constantly strive to improve his team for the challenges ahead, despite the success he is enjoying at present.
“I still think we’re under pressure,” Postecoglou said.
“If we don’t win [tonight], and even if we draw…well this time that might be good enough, but we’re constantly under pressure.
“I don’t think that changes just because you’re sort of steering it in a certain direction.
“I had no doubt that should we have success this year, then this group would have to be back there again next year to produce.
“I’ve never seen that as pressure, but what you do want is hopefully to be creating a team and an environment where you are constantly improving and constantly raising the bar. If you do that then I guess people will assess that differently.
“The pressure comes I think if anyone feels you are standing still or not progressing at any stage.
“So, from my perspective, I think people have recognised that we have made massive ground this year, we’re constantly improving, and even at this late stage of the season we are still producing football that is making people sit up and take notice.”
Surely though these last couple of weeks have allowed Postecoglou to reflect upon his first season at Celtic, as his team have enjoyed a protracted lap of honour and he has done his own personal tour of Scotland’s football awards ceremonies?
“No mate, because you guys keep hounding me, a million people want a piece of me, so I haven’t had a chance to do anything!” he said.
“That’s part of my job though, so that’s fine. There will be a time for reflection and enjoyment once it’s done.
“The reality is that I enjoy every day of this job, I enjoy coming in here every day and working with the players and being manager of this football club. It’s not like I feel as if it’s a grind at any stage.
“In terms of the success, I’m very proud of the individual honours that I’ve won for this football club so far, but the real sort of joy I guess and satisfaction comes after it’s all done and dusted.”
The same goes when Postecoglou is asked to ponder where the achievement of winning the Premiership title this season ranks alongside his other career highlights.
“I haven’t thought about it, again it’s probably a question I can best answer after it’s done,” he said.
“Because the way I think about things is that my role at the moment is to prepare the team and make sure we play well [tonight].
“How will I feel after? Well I know it’s been an enormous challenge this year, it’s one I’ve enjoyed.
“It’s probably only when it’s done and you reflect that I’ll be able to give a more honest answer on what it means for me.”
In the short term then, all roads for Celtic lead to Tannadice this evening, and the opportunity to tee up an almighty title party at Celtic Park on Saturday where the Premiership trophy will be the guest of honour.
“It’s an opportunity to create a special moment at this football club,” Postecoglou said. “We’re looking forward to it.
“I guess the key thing for us is to make sure we go there [tonight], play our football and continue on the form we’ve had over the past few months. And make sure we deliver.”
