Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou almost became AEK Athens manager shortly before making the move to Parkhead last summer.
Celtic took their time finding a replacement for Neil Lennon but it ended up working out perfectly.
The lengthy pursuit of Eddie Howe amounted to nothing and Celtic quickly pivoted to Postecoglou as the new manager.
Poaching a manager from Japan raised eyebrows when Arsenal did it for Arsene Wenger and it was the same for Celtic.
Postecoglou was managing in Japan with Yokohama F Marinos when Celtic pounced.
Some wondered how long he would last but Postecoglou has made a mockery of his doubters, winning the Scottish title in his first season with Celtic.
Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou almost became AEK Athens manager
It could have all been so different though as Postecoglou came close to joining another club.
Postecoglou has told the Daily Record that he nearly made a move to Greece with AEK Athens.
Postecoglou is Australian but was born in Greece and moved ‘Down Under’ at the age of just five.
The 56-year-old did have a spell in charge of Greek side in Panachaiki back in 2008. That was his only European managerial job before joining Celtic.
AEK were searching for a new manager last summer after the departure of Manolo Jimenez.
Vladen Milojevic ended up landing the job and lasted less than six months in the job. Replacement Argiris Giannikis then lasted less than five months.
It’s fair to say that AEK haven’t been happy with their managers of late.
Postecoglou has now told the Daily Record that he got ‘really close’ to becoming AEK manager last summer.
They picked Milojevic instead and literally a day after that, Celtic made their move and had Postecoglou secured inside 24 hours.
Postecoglou could have gone the same way as Milojevic and been out of a job within months; instead, he’s a champion with Celtic.
“AEK was a possibility, almost at the same time as Celtic,” said Postecoglou. “It was a sliding doors moment. At that time of year, clubs are looking for managers and we got really close. They went another way and literally a day after that I got a call from Peter Lawwell. I then had a chat with Dermot Desmond and it was done within 24 hours.”
“But that’s been my career as a manager. Things have just happened without me really seeking it. I have tried to do the best I can in the role I have and, by having success, opportunities come along. It was difficult to see myself on this side of the world.”
“I had brief chats with people, but there was still no recognition of what I had achieved. It was going to take the stars to align for me to get an opportunity. It’s worked out and I couldn’t be happier,” he added.
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