Ange Postecoglou is ‘firmly focused’ on Celtic despite speculation linking the Australian with a move to the Premier League and Leeds United, Hoops assistant coach John Kennedy tells Sky Sports.
If Andrea Radrizzani is spotted with a bright red mark on the tip of his nose during Leeds’ clash with bitter rivals Manchester United at Elland Road this Sunday, well that’s probably because he’s just spent much of the last week having doors slammed shut in his face.
Carlos Corberan, formerly a member of Marcelo Bielsa’s backroom staff, signed a new contract at West Brom. Talks with Rayo Vallecano boss Andoni Iraola broke down.
And, on Friday, Arne Slot confirmed that he too will be staying put until the summer at least, Feyenoord chasing only their second Eredivisie title since the turn of the Century.
Now, Kennedy may have been speaking tongue-in-cheek when suggesting that Celtic had gone to some rather dramatic measures to keep Postecoglou at Parkhead, but the message coming out of Glasgow was as clear as the dawn sky on a balmy Highlands morning.
Postecoglou is going nowhere.
Another one bites the dust in Leeds United’s manager search
“We’ve just tied him to the chair upstairs and got a couple of security on his door!” Kennedy jokes.
“Listen, there’s always speculation. Credit to the manager, and the job he’s doing here. It’s a bit like players, you know? When players do well, they get linked to other clubs.
“I think the manager has shown his abilities. When you do that, and you have success, you attract attention. That’s what has happened.
“There is a lot of speculation, a lot of noise. But I know first-hand that he’s really focused on his job here. He loves being here, he’s in the middle of building something special. So I think his mind is firmly focused on Celtic. (Postecoglou wants to) do the best he can here.”
Ange Postecoglou staying at Celtic
Postecoglou, like Corberan, Iraola and Slot, is in the midst of a highly-exciting campaign. One that is likely to end in yet more silverware for the dominant force of Scottish football. Celtic will also be gracing the Champions League group-stages again next season, and Postecoglou feels like a coach with unfinished business on Europe’s grandest stage.
“If you’ve a list of four names, he surely has to be one of them. He’s got vast experience, his management style is impressive. I’ve no doubt the people at Leeds will be looking at him,” former Elland Road boss Steve Evans tells The Sun. “Leeds would be very foolish not to be considering him.”
“I think he’ll eventually work in the Premier League. Although I don’t see it being now, and I don’t see it being for Leeds United. I’d imagine, deep down, Ange will aspire to manage in the Premier League. It’s where the elite work.
“He’s doing a fantastic job. But I also feel he’s only about 25 per cent through his job at Celtic.”
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