Former Celtic treble winner Ramon Vega believes Ange Postecoglou’s work at Celtic is not yet complete…
The ex-Celtic and Tottenham defender expressed his frustration after Spurs chairman Daniel Levy dismissed Ange last week, despite the Australian leading the club to their first trophy in 17 years by winning the Europa League.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has not yet agreed to a contract extension with the Scottish champions, meaning this season could turn out to be his final one in Glasgow.
The Irishman plans to discuss his future with majority shareholder Dermot Desmond this summer, but if he decides against renewing his contract, Vega doubts Postecoglou – who secured five of six trophies in two years in Scotland – will remain unemployed a year from now.
Vega believes Postecoglou’s stock is extremely high, making him a sought-after coach this summer
Vega believes Postecoglou’s stock is extremely high, making him a sought-after coach this summer. Having managed teams in Australia, Greece, Japan, Scotland, and England, he might have to put his hopes of returning to Celtic on hold until the right opportunity arises down the line.
The 53-year-old, who secured a treble with Martin O’Neill’s team during an impressive six-month loan stint in Scottish football in 2001, told the Daily Record: “Listen, from my point of view, some very, very top teams will go for him.
“In one way, it’s good for him, because the toxicity we had at Spurs”
“Once you understand the difficulty of managing a team like Spurs, and winning a Cup after 17 years, you realise this man is a winner and can create something special. He just needs to be supported in the right way.
“In one way, it’s good for him, because the toxicity we had at Spurs – I don’t think that would be good for him anyway. He deserves much better than this, and much bigger as well. Mark my words, he will go to a bigger level. If he can go to Celtic, it’s always nice because he’s been there already.
. “I think he’ll stay in the Premier League – there’s no doubt at all”
“Will he go there in one year? I think he might be snapped up beforehand by somebody. I think he’ll stay in the Premier League – there’s no doubt at all. I’ll be very surprised if he’s not landed a job in the Premier League by the beginning of the new season or even a position at a top European team.”
Vega added: “Again, I’d be very, very surprised if he’s not in the Premier League. I’d say the top eight or ten teams for certain – if not even higher. I can see a few who would take him instantly.”
“Celtic is a different ball game from Spurs”
“Has Postecoglou got more to achieve and unfinished business with Celtic? Yes, but don’t forget, Celtic is a different ball game from Spurs. He went into the Champions League – that’s a completely different tournament. At the same time, he’s put down a marker now.
“He did a good job for Celtic, and he’s done a remarkable job winning a trophy with Spurs. If he goes back, he’ll return with serious Premier League experience. That would bring massive added value to Celtic in Europe. Celtic and Champions League nights – they’re among the best in the world. It’s just that Celtic is Celtic.”
Despite Ramon’s dreams of an Ange Postecoglou return to Celtic it seems highly unlikely. Firstly Brendan Rodgers could well be here for the long term – much will depend on how he feels he’s being backed in the summer transfer market. Celtic seem to be coming out of the traps quickly this time around, maybe no coincidence?
Ange was extra-special for Celtic but there will be no going back
Secondly Ange has no track record of going back to a former job whether at club or international level and thirdly and most importantly, having got himself to the level of winning a European trophy for Tottenham he will be in demand and will not be short of offers this summer as the only manager who comes with a trophy guaranteed in his second season.
Ange was extra-special for Celtic but there will be no going back.
Conor Spence
SUMMER SALE NOW ON AT CELTICSTARBOOKS.COM – IDEAL FOR FATHER’S DAY SHOPPING, Order today and we’ll post FIRST CLASS immediately!
Welcome to our Live Comments section, where new comments will appear automatically
Live Comments