SENTINELCELTS

Morning,all.

MAHE delivered a terrific article on Wednesday about how he regards the importance of Sunday’s cup final to Ange and his players-and to the supporters too,of course. And perfectly correct in what he said too,most of the responses to it were in broad agreement. 

There is no doubt whatsoever about that. Not only is it the first trophy of the season to be awarded,it is also the first trophy that Ange won as Celtic manager-and at his first attempt too. He will be very keen indeed to hold onto it. But there are other factors involved here too. AP has shown himself to be a true professional in every respect,a gentleman on and off the pitch. Not for him the self-centred arrogance of others,he has been careful to show respect to opposition players and managers during his entire time at Celtic Park. Yes,he rarely suffers fools during his exchanges with the media,but that is understandable when he has to deal with endless repetition designed to trip him up. 

He has even been known to have the occasional leisurely cup of coffee with his rivals,which is as it should be of course. Football may be all about winning,but there is no need to allow it to turn you into something that you are not. 

Sunday will have another significance for him too. I think Tuesday’s press conference with Mick Beale showed that his usual bonhomie and forbearance has worn thin,the opposition manager taking any and every chance at the cheap shot since his arrival. Egged on,encouraged and tolerated,by a fading coterie of “journos”, he has attempted to diminish Ange’s achievements while bigging up his own. While,of course,the latter bear little scrutiny. 

Our manager won’t allow his personal feelings to cloud his judgement on Sunday,but I have a feeling that he might enjoy a victory just that little bit more than usual. And I bet he will still be a true professional in every respect,a gentleman,after the match too. 

However,while that is not to overstate the importance of the match on Sunday,it is the first in a run of four games in fourteen days which will go a long way to defining our season. There is the trip to Paisley a week later,scene of our only domestic defeat this season. We will want to lay that ghost,render it just a bad memory. Take the three points back to Glasgow. The following six days sees us play the minis both home and away,the first in midweek on league duty and the latter in the quarters of the cup. 

We are all well aware of the special place Nielson holds for us in his heart,and he will send his side out on both occasions to destroy our momentum,wreck our game plan by all means fair and foul. ‘‘Twas ever thus against that lot,so it won’t catch anyone by surprise. Although I think Ange is likely to be choosing from a somewhat depleted squad the following week against Hibs!

Sunday is important to our season,let’s make no bones about it. It offers us the chance at the first trophy of the season,and a springboard to the rest of it. But the three games to follow,while there are no medals or trophies handed out on the day,offer us that opportunity to further increase our lead at the top of the table while taking another step towards the only trophy to elude Ange and his squad last year. It is a big fortnight for us,and it all starts with a big weekend. Let’s hope Ange has the chance for a rare self-satisfied smirk on Sunday afternoon. I’ll enjoy it nearly as much as he will!
<><><><><>
Above article by BMCUWP