Ange Postecoglou has lifted the Scottish Cup to complete a memorable trophy treble – but Celtic fans fear it may have been the final triumphant act of their beloved Australian manager.
Celtic beat Inverness Caledonian Thistle 3-1 at Glasgow’s Hampden Park on Saturday to complete a magnificent season in which Postecoglou had already guided them to the Scottish League Cup and Premiership.
But with increasing speculation that the in-demand former Socceroos boss will now be on his way to manage English Premier League giants Tottenham, there was a bittersweet feeling for the Celtic fans who’ve come to idolise their 57-year-old boss.
There have been widespread reports Postecoglou will talk with Spurs this week as their number one target for the vacant job after being rejected by Feyenoord’s Arne Slot, but he was in the mood only to celebrate at Hampden, not to get grilled on his future.
(Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)
“I am going to be a bit selfish here, not just for myself but my family and people around me, we have all worked really hard to enjoy this moment,” he told the BBC.
“As disappointing as that may be for people, that is what I am going to do. We have worked too hard as players and managers.
“If I again start talking about things right now that aren’t really important to me and those around me, so I am just enjoying this and will do for as long as I can before people drag me away to talk about other things.”
His latest triumph, effectively sealed with goals from Kyogo Furuhashi, Liel Abada and Jota, came after a fight from Caley, who had reduced the deficit to 2-1 in the 85th minute through sub Daniel Mackay.
But it couldn’t stop Postecoglou sealing his fifth domestic trophy out of a possible six over two seasons in which he’s transformed a grand old club’s fortunes and joined Martin O’Neill, Brendan Rodgers and the great Jock Stein as their revered treble-winning managers.
It was the eighth time Celtic have achieved the domestic treble, a world record that takes them past their great Glasgow rivals, Rangers but it would be no surprise if it proved Postecoglou’s farewell gift to the club.
For he wouldn’t publicly commit himself to staying at the club in the week building up to the final when he had his chance, saying his only interest was giving 100 per cent concentration to trying to do his best for Celtic.
Pressed again on why he wouldn’t put to be the rumours about his prospective departure, he offered the robust retort: “Because I think I deserve to enjoy this moment just like everyone else. I worked really hard for this moment.
“There will be a time to come for those kinds of questions but for now, we’ve grasped a small chunk of history for ourselves and I’m not going to pass that by by being sidetracked.”
“I’m very proud. It’s been an extraordinary season by the boys. We caught people by surprise last year. It’s always hard defending things. The challenge was, ‘can we be better this year and we push on?’
“We’ve won the trophy that eluded us last year, so it feels great, it’s the last day of the season. It’s an occasion and it was nice to finish it off that way.”
He later told Sky how much the fans mean to him.
“Let’s not beat around the bush, I was a joke when I was appointed,” he said. “A lot of people made fun of my appointment. But the supporters, for their own reasons, put their collective arms around me and said ‘no he’s one of ours. It was up to me then to repay that faith.”
Club captain Callum McGregor is adamant the players all want Postecoglou to stay.
“We hope he stays and we hope to see him in pre-season,” he said.
“In football, you never know – but if that is a parting gift then what a way to go!”
coolncold
Roar Rookie
Yes, done deal. The issue now is whether or not Kyogo Furuhashi will follow AP to Hotspur and the prospect of Harry Kane.
chris1
Roar Rookie
Looks like he is going pending formal clearance from Celtic
Aiden
Roar Rookie
Ange has been made manager of Spurs. Contract agreed.
Partyhat
Roar Rookie
:laughing: :shocked:
TheSecretScout
Roar Guru
hes on 2 million pounds a year at celtic + performance bonuses (europe, league, cup etc) i would expect a significant increase on that, especially going to a self-proclaimed big 6 club in Tottenham
Para+Ten ISUZU Subway support Australian Football
Roar Rookie
Wow!!!!! Good comment. :thumbup:
coolncold
Roar Rookie
Adelaide Aaron, can you tell how much AP is going to get each year in Hot Spur as he is about to sign the contract according to a youtube channel?____5 Jun 2023, 8:05 am.
Aiden
Roar Rookie
This is an article about a manager in Scotland. What are you on about?
13th Man
Roar Rookie
Hope he goes to Spurs - exactly what they need after the borefest that has been Mourinho and Conte. Hope he is given a chance by Levy and the fans - that’s the concern. Will transform the club if he is given enough time to do so.
Redcap
Roar Guru
I dunno. AFL does something strange to people. I mean, have you ever been to Melbourne? It scares the hell out of me. :happy:
Redcap
Roar Guru
Same. Or La Liga. Arguably both are better suited to how he likes to play.
Grem
Roar Rookie
That response has me confused as well.
ShirleyKnot
Roar Rookie
???
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
Coaches can only transform clubs if they’re given the appropriate resources and backing from the administration. That’s the question for Ange. The fact that multiple high profile coaches have turned the club down is a big warning sign. But if Ange can secure the resources and admin backing he wants, he’ll be a success I’m sure.
CoinboxSoldier
Roar Rookie
I know I'll get laughed at but I'd love to see Angie in the Serie A
Redcap
Roar Guru
Scotland?
Redcap
Roar Guru
Nah, he's off to Real Madrid when Ancelotti moves to Brazil. :silly:
bungeye
Roar Rookie
As an AFL afficianado I'm loving this!!! The self sabotage of soccer, in this country, knows no bounds...
Limo
Roar Rookie
Good luck to Ange. The EPL is now looking to an AUSSIE to rescue them! . I dont watch the EPL with its highly OVERPAID and lazy players passing the ball back 100 times during a match. Absolute rubbish. Prefer watching a league football anyway over the garbage served in epl. The only eplbteam the played decent football in past 3 years was Leeds under Biesla
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Ange is a talented humble man. Good on him!