Ange Postecoglou believes his side's crowning of champions has removed some of the intensity surrounding the build-up to Celtic meeting Rangers for the final time this season.
The Hoops claimed a second Premiership title under their Aussie leader last weekend against Hearts and now travel to Ibrox this weekend as kings of the Premiership. Usually a subject of meticulous scrutiny and debate, the talk around this derby has been more reserved, with Celtic having eyes on the Treble and Rangers casting glances towards a summer rebuild.
If the Hoops were in Govan to collect their crown, things might be different, but more silverware banked has Postecoglou aware of a potential reason for rare derby calm. He said: "If we were going there to win it, there probably would have been a bit more hype around it. From that perspective, it doesn't feel as intense in terms of the build-up to the game but I don't think it will diminish the game itself.
"Maybe because of our circumstances being champions, it has been a different week for us. Every derby is an opportunity to win against a very good team and the team closest to us in the table. It always means something to our supporters and another opportunity to create a significant moment for us."
Celtic also have their eyes on what comes next. And Postecoglou insists strong performance in next season's Champions League is up there with some of their ambitions.
He added: "Our goal every year is to be champions. The last couple of years it gets you into the Champions League and everything that brings with it. That’s where the ambitions lie but within that you have these individual contests that you know are important and significant to the club and every derby is that kind of game. We just want to finish the season strong.
"It’s a chance to have a look at a couple of things as well from a team perspective building into next year. We will use these games to make sure we are ready for the cup final and also have a look at a few things that we want to work with.”
