Former Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou insists he’s solely focused on J.League club Yokohama F. Marinos as speculation intensifies he’s about to take over at Scottish giants Celtic.
The 55-year-old is the heavy favourite to take charge at Parkhead after talks between the Scottish Premiership powerhouse and ex-Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe collapsed.
The Glasgow-based club has been seeking a replacement following the departure of Neil Lennon in February amid a forgettable 2020-21 season where they finished 25 points adrift of fierce crosstown rivals Rangers to end a run of nine staight Scottish league title wins.
Asked about whether he’s in talks with Celtic following Marinos’ 2-1 home win over Shimizu S-Pulse on Sunday, Postecoglou was non-committal.
“Everyone knows me, knows that my focus is always on what’s in front of me,” Postecoglou told the Japan Times.
“I’ve understood there’s some speculation around the future, but I’ve stopped thinking about the what-ifs in the world a long time ago.
“My focus the last couple of days has been on making sure we play well today.”
Postecoglou, who led the Socceroos to the 2015 Asian Cup on home soil, guided Yokohama to their first J.League title in 15 years in 2019.
The ex-Brisbane coach, who won two A-League championships at the Roar, also coached Australia at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
He successfully qualified Australia to a fourth successive World Cup appearance but resigned just two weeks later in late 2017 before joining Yokohama.
Several UK bookmakers have put Postecoglou as a heavy favourite to take over the role in what would be a huge appointment for an Australian coach to join one of the world’s most famous clubs.
Kevin Muscat and Tony Popovic recently had brief spells in Belgium and Greece respectively but Australians have regularly struggled to land, and hold, managerial roles in Europe.
Postecoglou has previously announced his intention to stay overseas for the rest of his career.
dennis emery
Guest
I would love to know how Glasgow Celtic can be described as a "powerhouse"? I guess finishing 25 points behind the winners merits that. I think you are overestimating the ability of Celtic and the SPL. I doubt if Celtic would be more than a middle placed Championship side in England. No job has yet been offered to Ange and this is typical of the football press down here to pedal rumors in the form of serious news. Can any of you remember when Beckham was coming ?