ANGE POSTECOGLOU told supremo Dermot Desmond he would walk 500 miles to manage Celtic.
However, the Greek-Australian admits he will NOT run all the way to Hampden for the Scottish Cup semi-final confrontation with Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side tomorrow.
Instead, Postecoglou insisted: “I’m taking the bus!”
The former Australia World Cup gaffer has already sampled silverware success at the national stadium back on December 19 when two extraordinary goals by the team’s talisman Kyogo Furuhashi capped a superb comeback against Hibs in the dramatic Premier Sports League Cup Final.
The 56-year-old coach has guided the Hoops to the Premiership summit with a six-point advantage with five games to go and his revamped outfit are 90 minutes from the opportunity of bringing down the curtain on a truly remarkable campaign in the Scottish Cup shoot-out on May 21.
Postecoglou said: “It’s part of the expectations of playing for this football club. You are expected to be contending for honours every year and two significant trophies are won at Hampden.
“You have to be good there. You have to embrace it. It’s not just about the game, it’s about the whole event and everything that surrounds it, the hype, the pressure, everything.
“This football club has shown throughout its history this is the stage it wants to be on.
“I have been there twice, we’ve had a couple of wins and won a trophy, so my experiences have been positive.
“I don’t know why historically people may or may not like the venue, but what I do know is when you go to Hampden it’s a big game, irrespective of the competition.
“I like that aspect of it. It gives it a unique feel because when you go up to the stadium you know it’s a big event. I’ve enjoyed it so far and I’m looking forward to going again.
“Hampden is steeped in history – and that’s sort of the charm and magic of it. You are in a place where some memorable football moments have happened. As a participant, whether you are a player or staff at a football club, you want to add to that history.
“This is where it happens and we have an opportunity to do that tomorrow.”
There is an excitement among his squad as the big game edges closer to kick-off and there have been suggestions his players are so up for the contest they might race to the national stadium to play their part.
Postecoglou, speaking to The Herald, joked: “They might run there, but I’m not – I’m taking the bus!
“Look, the boys are excited. When you get to this part of the year it’s the big games of consequence and you want to be part of them.
“It’s a semi-final at Hampden, it’s an occasion to look forward to.
“The atmosphere at the semi and final of the League Cup was unbelievable. We had bigger numbers there, it was a cracking atmosphere.
“We’ve experienced the derby at home and a couple of times away, and the players have enjoyed it.
“It will be slightly different again on Sunday, but I’m sure the players will be looking forward to it.”
