ANGE POSTECOGLOU slammed the Hampden floor as holders Celtic marched on to the Viaplay Cup ultimate on February 26.
The Hoops boss noticed objectives from Daizen Maeda – a primary half fluke – and sub Giorgos Giakoumakis – who may very well be about to maneuver to Japanese aspect Urawa Purple Diamonds – seal the prospect of a seventh success within the competitors within the final 9 makes an attempt.
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However whereas that was joyous for Postecoglou, the taking part in floor sparked deep disappointment and criticism.
He additionally pities Rangers and Aberdeen now having to play on it for the following semi-final.
The Hampden pitch was final utilized by earlier tenants Queen’s Park on December 10, one among two fixtures in per week. However since then it’s been idle.
Torrential rain all through the day didn’t assist the ground-staff however Postecoglou wasn’t within the temper for making any allowances.
He mentioned: “It was a troublesome recreation which you’d anticipate in a cup semi-final.
“Credit score to Derek McInnes and his boys, they gave every little thing to the competition.
“We needed to match it as a result of the pitch isn’t in nice situation which was disappointing.
“You may’t management the climate in Scotland however I”m upset within the state of the pitch, I believed it will be higher.
“You already know whenever you come to Hampden it’s a showpiece occasion and also you need the circumstances to be the very best they are often.
“Even after I walked out earlier than the sport, I used to be upset within the pitch.
“It’s going to be robust for the 2 groups on Sunday.
“In the event you’re going to have showpiece occasions when everybody’s watching underneath the highlight, you wish to current it in the very best situation.
“I’m unsure how a lot soccer they’ve had on the pitch or what the state of affairs is.
“However for a cup semi-final you need the very best circumstances potential.
“It didn’t have nice grass protection and didn’t maintain very effectively.
“I went to Motherwell’s pitch not too long ago and it was excellent.”
Killie supervisor McInnes mentioned: “It was actually heavy.
“I’ve been right here earlier than with groups and the pitch has been a wee bit questionable. It most likely might have been higher.
“It is going to be even worse for these two tomorrow!”
Postecoglou, in the meantime, praised his aspect for reaching the season’s first ultimate and he mentioned: “We knew it will be a battle earlier than it began.
“Nevertheless it’s credit score to this workforce that it’s not all concerning the soccer. There’s an actual need and can to beat any problem.
“Was Giorgos fortunate with the penalty declare close to the top? Nicely, I’m a fairly fortunate man – so I believe it’s filtering by the workforce.
“It was a battle, an arm wrestle in a cup semi-final performed in making an attempt circumstances.
“We confirmed need, self-discipline, construction.”
Postecoglou – his aspect face St Mirren within the league on Wednesday evening – confirmed he’s nonetheless eager to strengthen regardless of already including three signings within the January window.
He additionally claimed there’s ‘nothing sure’ over Giakoumakis’ future though it’s understood Urawa Purple Diamonds chiefs are assured they may seize the striker in a large £8 million bundle deal.
The Celts boss mentioned: “We’re nonetheless engaged on issues and always making an attempt to make the squad stronger. I believe we have to and I wish to.”
On a possible sale, he mentioned: “There’s nothing sure, no.”
