How Ange Postecoglou defied the doubters to lead Celtic back to Scottish Premiership glory

By | May 11, 2022
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One of the most surprising managerial appointments in Celtic history has paid off with Ange Postecoglou successfully helping the club reclaim the Scottish Premiership title.

After a dismal 2020-21 season saw the Hoops finish 25 points shy of champions and fierce rivals Rangers, the club looked poised for a difficult few years. 

With first-choice candidate Eddie Howe ultimately turning down Celtic’s approaches and later taking the Newcastle United job, the Scottish giants decided to take what many viewed as an almighty gamble on a relatively unknown Australian coach. 

Despite success in his homeland and Japan, Postecoglou was an unknown quantity in Europe, with even Hoops’ majority owner Dermot Desmond recently admitting he didn’t know who he was. 

A season-opening loss to Hearts had fans even more skeptical, but the Aussie slowly but surely worked his magic to defy the doubters and lead Celtic back to league glory. 

Here’s how it happened…

Postecoglou’s media mastery 

Arriving in Glasgow in a shroud of mystery, Postecoglou won his first important match off the pitch. 

Facing up to the fiery Scottish media for the first time, the Australian didn’t take a backwards step and set the tone for press conferences to come when he quipped at a reporter looking to downplay his coaching credentials. 

“I’m not sure what you mean by ‘jump’, but I’m assuming you’re saying I worked at a lower level or some lesser level,” Postecoglou said.

“I guess that’s a matter of opinion. I’ve coached at a World Cup, I’ve coached against some of the best teams in the world, so that’s not how I look at it.

“I know the history and traditions of this football club and I know how passionate the supporters are.

“I gather there was a little bit of a mixed response when I got announced as the Celtic manager, but what I do know is that 100 percent of Celtic supporters will want me to be successful, because nothing’s more important to them than this football club.”

With each question answered, Postecoglou managed to skillfully put the media in their place and ensure the narrative surrounding the club and his mission were framed the right way. 

It’s safe to say, pundit Alan Brazil will be regretting his initial take on the manager for years to come.

Japanese jackpot in the transfer market

Having arrived at Celtic after three years in Japan with Yokohama F. Marinos, Postecoglou would look to the country when it came to some of his major transfer dealings this season. 

Kyogo Furuhashi was one of the Australian’s first signings and the Japanese forward would quickly become a key player for his side — not to mention a fan favourite. 

Not done yet with transfer dealings in Japan, Postecoglou would sign three more players from the country over the winter and they helped solidify the style of play Celtic were aiming for. 

Daizen Maeda gave the Hoops a greater edge and more energy out wide, while Reo Hatate added real class in the middle of the park. 

While striking gold with his Japanese signings, Postecoglou’s other transfer dealings have also paid off. 

From Jota and Joe Hart to Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liel Abada, Celtic’s new manager has made the most of the players brought in and managed to quickly rejuvenate a disheartened squad in the process. 

Regaining the Old Firm edge 

Celtic vs. Rangers is the most important fixture for any Hoops fan and Postecoglou has helped balance the scales this season. 

Across the 2020-21 season, Rangers won four of the five Old Firm derbies played, with Celtic’s only solace coming via a 1-1 draw at home. 

While Postecoglou’s first Old Firm ended in a 1-0 defeat, he would bounce back with a memorable 3-0 win at home before also beating Rangers away in early April. 

The Hoops would be knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Rangers just weeks later before holding on for an important point against their rivals in the league at the start of May. 

Two wins, two losses and a draw provides a solid Old Firm return for Postecoglou, with their two triumphs in the league ultimately proving decisive in the Scottish Premiership battle. 

Winning the fans over one goal and song at a time

One of the most important pieces of any football puzzle is the fans and Postecoglou has fit them into his plans from day one. 

His attacking style of football has been a welcome sight at Celtic Park, while his salute to fans post-match has become a small but significant gesture. 

Despite mixed early results, fans were quick to warm to Postecoglou with the Aussie even earning a song by Christmas. 

Success and style have combined this season to ensure Celtic’s new manager had the backing of supporters and it’s something he doesn’t take lightly. 

“Nothing is greater than seeing the joy you bring to people – whether it’s your own family or supporters of this football club. It’s a cliche, but it is priceless,” Postecoglou told BBC Radio Scotland in May. 

“It gives you the best feeling. That’s the biggest motivator.

“The stuff that remains in people’s memories, things you had an impact on, it is precious.”

While Celtic fans will be celebrating their latest league triumph, Postecoglou will already be plotting how he can take this side to greater heights next season. 

With a place in the UEFA Champions League group stage secured, the Hoops need to carefully prepare and continue progressing under their manager. That ongoing progression is something Postecoglou has stressed since the start and it has helped fuel excitement for the future, while also keeping short-term disappointments in perspective. 

Postecoglou’s clubs have historically only started hitting their stride in season two, so it’s safe to say his latest chapter at Celtic is only really just beginning. 

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