ANGE POSTECOGLOU didn’t mind repeating himself after watching Celtic trounce Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s Ibrox outfit 4-0 at a pulsating Parkhead this afternoon.
The champions were racing towards inevitable victory by the interval after a double strike from the prolific Liel Abada and a sublime effort from the maverick Portuguese winger Filipe Jota.
Second-half substitute David Turnbull gleefully accepted a misplaced pass from opposing keeper Jon McLaughlin to slide in the fourth to bring down the curtain on the Hoops’ sixth successive league win of the campaign as they moved five points clear of their visitors at the Premiership pinnacle.
POSTECOGLOU’S PRIDE…Celtic manager hails his players.
Postecoglou said: “I’m really proud of the players. I know I’ve been saying that a lot lately, but it was an enormous effort today.
“We knew what was at stake. It was a big game and everybody was suggesting that it was our first real test, even though I thought we’ve had some tests already.
“But the boys showed that in such a big game, they’re able to perform at the highest possible level.
“I thought our defensive work was outstanding through the whole team. If there was one thing which was a stand-out today, it was our press, our ability to close them down and not give them time in any part of the field, including when they got into our box.
“They’re a good team and they proved they’re a good team because they’ve beaten some very good teams, so we knew that we had to be on it today and that’s the one area I was really pleased about.
“We’re a good football team, but we’re a hell of a pressing team, as well.”
ALL SMILES…Kyogo Furuhashi, with his left arm protected, celebrates along with Joe Hart at the final whistle.
Unfortunately, talismanic striker Kyogo Furuhashi had to be removed after only four minutes with a shoulder injury following a challenge from John Lundstram.
Giorgos Giakoumakis replaced him, but the enforced early change did not upset the Hoops’ rhythm as they earned a crucial triumph.
Carl Starfelt also went off with an injury before the hour mark with Moritz Jenz taking over his role alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers and the German looked very comfortable in the surroundings.
Postecoglou, speaking to Celtic TV, continued: “I don’t like seeing players get injured and Kyogo’s been outstanding this year. It was disappointing to lose him so early in the game, but that’s the reason we’ve done the business we have.
“We didn’t have to change the team much in the first four or five games, but I know, with games coming thick and fast, that we’re going to need people.
HAIL, HAIL…Filipe Jota accepts the applause of the Celtic fans after netting the second goal.
“And that’s why I was pleased with Wednesday night’s performance – everyone who played stood up and played well, so if we have to make a change, and I knew, in putting Giako on, that it would still cause them problems.”
Now the Greek-Australian gaffer will turn his attention to the Champions League Group F opener against Real Madrid on Tuesday and he added: “They’re a good team – that’s a bit of an understatement!
”It’s why you want to be at this football club. You want to be part of these big occasions and big nights – and it’s another great challenge for us.
“You want to measure and test yourself against the best and that’s what we’re going to do. They’re the best and we’ll test ourselves.”
JUST PARADISE: ABADA AT THE DOUBLE WITH CHAMPS TO THE FOUR
