Ange Postecoglou has indicated that his interest in the J-League as a place of interest for his recruitment plans is far from over after bringing four players over from Japan’s top division last season, with three of the four making a significant impact in Celtic’s league and league cup double triumph.
Kyogo was the first to arrive last summer and he was followed by the Hogmanay announcements that Celtic were bringing in Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi with only the latter still to show the Celtic support what he can bring to the team. The holding midfielder was unlucky though, picking up an injury in the Scottish Cup tie away to Alloa at the end of January and that really put his schedule back in terms of breaking into the Celtic first team and making an impact.
Ange will be looking for Ideguchi to make his mark in the new season.
In an interview with Japanese media, as reported by Scottish Sun, Ange gave a clear indication that there could be more J-League arrivals heading to Celtic as he reckons that there gems to be found and bargains to be had not only in Japan but across Asian football.
“Regarding my recruitment, there was no special strategy, I just wanted to sign a good player and I knew there were quality players in Japan,” Ange admitted. “In my four years as a coach in Japan, I’ve seen players with the right talent and attitude to achieve my ideal type of football.
“In general, people only look at things that are close to them. Europe and South America are considered to be football powerhouses and Asia is often seen as a downgrade. It’s the same reason no one gave me a chance.
“Asia is seen as the other side of the world and there is a historical tendency to only look at Europe and South America because they are seen as the strong football continents. But if you look at the Bundesliga, there have been some fantastic Japanese footballers there.
“So I do think other nations don’t take as much notice as they perhaps should. As Asia and North America get more attention, it will become even more attractive as a market.”
