Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has expressed his admiration and respect for Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou. Gerrard left Ibrox for Villa in November last year, leaving Postecoglou’s juggernaut to kick on and win the League and League Cup, blowing Rangers away in the process.
Speaking to Fox Sport as his Villa side tour Australia as part of their pre-season camp, Gerrard spoke of his admiration for the Celtic manager.
“Ange did fantastically well. He came in with his own style. It took a little bit of time for him to implement that but once the players got used to that, they went on to win the league title and the League Cup as well, so it was a very successful season for him.
“He’s someone who I’ve got a lot of respect for and a lot of admiration for, and he’s done ever so well, so credit to him. He’s obviously got big experience. He’s had a lot of success throughout his career, and he comes across as a very humble guy.
“Obviously I’m Rangers through and through. I want Rangers to do well. I’m sure he appreciates that but from coach to coach, he’s someone that I’ve got a lot of respect for.”
Postecoglou assembled a side that was exciting going forward but also reliable at the back. The manager will be hoping that this continues next year as he looks to progress in Europe as well as retaining the Premiership title.
Gerrard, meanwhile, was unable to prevent his Villa side from losing a two goal lead at The Etihad in the last game of the season as Man City won 3-2 and sealed the League title. As a result, his former employers at Liverpool were less than impressed.
Celtic drew with Blackburn Rovers in a pre-season friendly yesterday; however, it is an stark contrast with the situation a year ago when Postecoglou had just taken over. Whilst the result could have been better, Celtic were impressive in the first half.
