Something changed within the walls of Celtic Football Club when Ange Postecoglou arrived. The big man from Oz was an unknown quantity in European terms, yet we had been told by many in Asia that he was a top operator and head coach. His record in Australia with Brisbane Roar and the national team, followed by a stint in Japan did add weight and verify his ability as a winner.
Fans did wonder how it would translate to the perennial two-horse race in Scotland, with all the pressure and stress that brings for instant gratification with results. But Ange refuted any such claims and carried on with business as usual, setting about changing a mentality and righting the wrongs of a football club mired in issues.
We had to persevere at first with a dilapidated squad that had been ravaged with loanees leaving, wantaway stars and players out of contract. Steadying the ship and teaching his philosophy to the players already here, he added some new faces and things begun to click. We put on a show versus AZ Alkmaar for qualification into the Europa League and then people started to believe.
Slowly but surely we started to make inroads and hunted down our main rival, despite a barrage of injuries that purged our squad pre-Christmas time. Then we hit January and with the help of reinforcements begun a wonderful winning run that never really ended until we lifted the League Crown back in May.
After such a turnaround and entry to the UEFA Champions League, we found ourselves paired with the reigning Champions Real Madrid. On the first game back in five years we hunted them down and were bitterly disappointed and unlucky not to sail into an early lead. Some of the football we played was exceptional regardless of the final score.
Carrying on in this vein, we have had a Champions League group stage campaign that has followed the same path. Unable to be clinical enough yet at that level in front of goal, Europe has started to take notice at the way in which we have went about our business and the quality that is present in both our squad and manager.
Recently there was a managerial change-up in the English Premier League, as Thomas Tuchel was sacked from Chelsea and they subsequently hired Brighton’s boss, Graham Potter. It left the South Coast club without a top coach in the process. Amongst the stories, there had been whispers that they had their eye on our very own Special One, Ange Postecoglou. The thought of losing him didn’t bear thinking about really. To be at square one all over again after finding a gem.
Amidst this chatter though, nobody had taken into consideration the spectacular bond that exists now between Ange and the Celtic supporters. As he himself said on Trophy Day in Glasgow’s East End: “You’ve embraced me, you’ve embraced my family, you’ve embraced this jumper!” A wonderful moment that truly captured the emotion of the leader of our cause and the supporters that love him so much.
There is a general feeling that Ange is here for the long haul and would only ever leave for a major club in European football. GiveMeSport journalist and general transfer reporter, Dean Jones, insists that contrary to rumours and speculation he feels Postecoglou will be around Glasgow for some time yet, as he admits that the bond between the fans and manager cannot be found so easily elsewhere.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones said: “He seems pretty loyal, and I think if Celtic do back him and do show him how much he is wanted, then he will probably stay because the bond he’s built at Celtic with the fans is very, very difficult to replicate.”
It would appear that even those outside of the Glasgow goldfish bowl are acknowledging there is something quite different and unique with this marriage. Ange seems to have found a spiritual home in Celtic and one which shares his personal backstory as it’s foundations. The understanding that exists is more than just football; it is a common cause and a desire for respect to both our names which binds us. With the all the good will in the world, I don’t think teams such as Brighton would tempt the Greek-Aussie away from Parkhead.
You know something special is happening when people outside of the Scottish football sphere are seeing a wonderful harmony developing. Long may it continue…
Paul Gillespie
