Gone before Christmas? Yes, I think that was the view of some when Ange Postecoglou arrived at Celtic Park.
Yet tomorrow’s game at Livingston will mark 50 games in charge at Celtic for the Celtic boss, a figure few would have thought he’d reach, and even less would have believed his Celtic team would be sitting three points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership as he approached a milestone that John Barnes, Lou Macari and Tony Mowbray failed to reach.
And it appears it’s also come as a bit of a surprise to Ange Postecoglou too. As reported in the Scotsman the manager was taken aback when he was informed his 50th game would take place this weekend as Celtic visit the Tony Macaroni stadium to play Livingston, but it seems he’s enjoying the ride.
“You are kidding me? I wasn’t aware but it doesn’t surprise me. It feels like 50. The fact we have played 50 games already probably sums up the season it’s been so far. It’s been full on but immensely enjoyable. I am glad I got to 50, there were probably a few people who didn’t think I would!”
“I am pleased to be there. I am more than aware of my perilous existence…or that of every other manager.”
For Ange Postecoglou however it’s not about simple longevity in his management post, it’s more about the progress the team has made in his time with the club, and although happy with hitting the 50 mark, he’s more pleased at the progression he’s overseen.
“It’s not something I look at too closely. What is more important is, what have you done in those 50 games? That is more important to me than just hitting the 50-mark. Have we made progress as a team and a club in the way I want? Are we in better shape than we were?”
“If we are ticking these boxes, then it’s a great milestone to reach. Hopefully I can get to 100 and say the same things – that we have progressed, are playing better football and getting success.”
“I don’t take it for granted. Just look at the Premiership this year and a number of clubs changing managers. We are not going to be here forever, but I don’t just use years as a marker. What we have done is more important. We are going okay after 50 games, so I am happy.”
And while 50 games is a solid start, it’s still short-term when you consider the way the Celtic manager approaches his job, as he admits to assuming he’ll be in post for ten years and has taken a medium to long term approach in every position he’s had, and that’s no different at Celtic.
“Everything I do I assume I will be here for the next 10 years. The reality is I probably won’t be. But every decision I make and everything I do is for the long term. That is how I have always approached my career. I don’t worry about how long I am going to stay or lengths of contracts, I make decisions that I think will set the club up in the best possible shape for years to come.”
“I have never been one to choose the short-term approach and change my way of doing things. But I do know that, at this football club, we had to have success this year. That was clear in my mind. Being successful is still our main aim, but it was also about building a side for the medium to long term. That’s how I always work.”
So, it’s 50 not out for a Celtic manager many believed wouldn’t last until Santa Claus set out on his annual drop-off – doesn’t time fly?
It’s always hard to guess what the future holds in football, however, Ange Postecoglou’s long-term vision is as welcome an addition to Celtic as his brand of football has been. A win at Livingston tomorrow would be the ideal way to mark an impressive milestone of course, but whatever happens, it appears Celtic have a long-term plan under Ange Postecoglou and that’s the way he’s always worked.
Niall J
🏆Scottish Premiership manager of the month
🦁Finding a way to beat Livingston
🍀50th game in charge
📺Livingston v Celtic, Sunday 12pm live on Sky SportsCeltic manager Ange Postecoglou is relishing the title run in as he reaches a milestone as manager. pic.twitter.com/bgEgEvDRsa
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) March 4, 2022
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