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Craig Moore and Ryan McGown explain what Celtic can expect from Australian boss Ante Postecoglou
Craig Moore and Ryan McGowan have both backed Celtic’s potential move to hire Australian gaffer Ante Postecoglou. He is expected to take over the reigns at Celtic, just days after a move to hire Eddie Howe fell through – with Celtic failing to appoint the coaching staff requested by Howe.
Postecoglou, 55, is renowned for managing Australia for four years between 2013 and 2017. Since leaving his post as Socceroos gaffer, he went to Japan and guided minnows Yokohama F. Marinos to the J-League title in just his second season. Now, a move to Celtic is on the horizon, amid reports.
Certainly, the Greek-born manager is an unknown on these shores. But the experienced boss, who has also manager Australian A-League sides Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory, is a forward-thinking boss that both ex-Rangers star Moore and McGowan have been impressed by.
Moore – who played under Postecoglou at Brisbane Roar and for Australia – applauded Celtic. He believes that Postecoglou deserves more recognition for his work as manager, while McGowan explained exactly what Hoops fans can expect.
“Fair play to Celtic. They’re looking outside the box which is brave to do,” Moore said. “He plays an entertaining brand of football which I think will appeal to Celtic supporters. His teams tend to have the ball a lot, and score a lot of goals so I think it’s quite entertaining. It’s full-on energy, dominating the ball, working really hard to suffocate teams.”
McGowan sees him as a no-nonsense coach, “I have no doubts he will be setting his demands in terms of what he wants from the job and, if Celtic don’t match that, he won’t take it on. He’s a clever man, a bit stand-offish. He’s the boss and what he says goes. It’s his way or the highway. Unless you buy into it, you’ll be out of the door.”
Postecoglou can really take Celtic forward, if Moore and McGowan are right
Some Rangers fans have teased Celtic on Twitter – labelling him Celtic’s Pedro Caixinha. But it is harsh to compare the forward-thinking, innovative, tactical mastermind that is the Australian manager. He has developed all of the necessary tools, just not in the minefield of Europe.
He has honed in his qualities. Taking a closer look at his work with Australia, domestically in Australia and in Japan, he is clearly a manager with talent that deserves a chance. It is a brave appointment. He has never managed in Europe – but it is one that has every chance of paying off.