Ange Postecoglou happy as Celtic keep their levels high against Motherwell

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou praised his players for maintaining the standards set in Wednesday’s derby win after they thrashed Motherwell 4-0 at Fir Park.

The new cinch Premiership leaders showed no sign of a comedown following the high of their 3-0 win over Rangers as Liel Abada’s opener and a double from Tom Rogic put them three up at half-time for the second game running.

This time Celtic continued their dominance and Daizen Maeda’s deflected strike completed the rout, but the scoreline could have been even more emphatic.

“I was pleased with that, especially after Wednesday night,” Postecoglou said.

“The players invested a lot emotionally and physically and credit to the players, I thought it was first rate.

“We are human beings. It’s not just like I say ‘we focus on the next one’ and they can put it to bed. It takes its toll.

“I watched training on Saturday and, even the guys who didn’t play, the training was relentless and really competitive. So I kind of knew we would be fine.”

Celtic cut fourth-placed Motherwell open time and time again with some impressive free-flowing football which furnished Postecoglou with immense satisfaction.

“I do enjoy it because that’s how I want my teams to play,” the Australian said.

“I’d be frustrated if we were winning and not playing the football I want.

“My role is to manage on the day and help the team where I can. But I do get a joy because I know it will give our support that joy.

“I think just instinctively players enjoy playing that way as well. You see at 4-0 that they’re trying to get a fifth, a sixth, they’re not stopping even when they haven’t got the ball. They’re still chasing things down.

“I think everyone enjoyed it. It’s not easy to get to that place, it requires