Celtic are on the brink of appointing Ange Postecoglou and with the Greek-born Aussie expected to arrive at Celtic Park next week we discussed with the editor of Optus Sport David Weiner about Ange’s character, style of play and what he will ultimately bring to the table when he walks into the weird and wonderful world of Scottish Football.
For many Celtic supporters we’ve had to do our due-diligence on Ange, but can you describe to us what type of person Postecoglou is?
“Ange Postecoglou is a leader, pioneer and visionary. He has a strong personality and is very loyal to his values. But his self belief is incredible.”
What is his style of play? What ideology can we expect to see from his football?
“His style of play is what has made him so renowned in Australian football. It is swashbuckling. Ball on the ground, possession from back, high energy and always on the front foot - no matter who the opponents are. He has turned some average players into world beaters by creating phenomenal teams.”
Postecoglou has been classed as the most successful manager in the history of Australian football, can you highlight the scale of his achievements in his career so far?
“He won back to back titles in our now defunct national league, then in the current A-League, he did the same, which included an all time record undefeated undefeated streak. He is also the first person to coach Australia to major international silverware.”
As part of our research we have seen that throughout his career he’s had fights with the press, the Glasgow gold fish bowl is very volatile, do you think he’ll be able to handle the pressures of having to win every game? In Glasgow, a draw is a catastrophe, a defeat is a disaster.
“That’s an interesting question. He can polarise because for those who want expediency and pragmatism, he will not bend for. This became an issue as Australia was qualifying for 2018 - Postecoglou wanted to build towards a grander plan but was criticised for potentially compromising the present. Many, myself included, still think the style of football and the vision he presented of Australian football was something to admire. I think he will be a character that the press will enjoy engaging with but he also knows he is a massive outsider - Australians are in Europe - and will have to play a clever game. The pressure will be intense.”
What has this been viewed as in Australia? Is it a breakthrough moment for Australian coaches making the leap into Europe?
“This is massive news. Football isn’t always mainstream news in Australia. This has been. He is a big personality and this is a ‘new frontier’ moment. He has, however, all the runs on the board to deserve such a moment and being a part of the City football group, no doubt, proving himself in Japan, was a shrewd move.”
Finally, do you think Postecoglou will be a successful manager at Celtic?
“Yes, I do. If he can survive the furnace and get a few early wins to smooth over the angst, I’m adamant good football will ensue - it has in every job. But; early teething problems wouldn’t shock and the success or otherwise of the whole appointment could hinge on navigating those early speed humps.”
It was a pleasure interviewing David, he has provided extensive knowledge on Ange Postecoglou, quite clearly Ange is a man who deserves the opportunity to leap into Europe and for Celtic to provide this opportunity is exciting. Celtic need to be patient and as seen by his management in Japan and Australia it can take a bit of time to implement his ideas. This sure is going to be fascinating!
Comments