Celtic fans thought Eddie Howe could be their new manager, but a lot has changed over the last week.
A deal for Howe has collapsed, with Celtic confirming that the former Bournemouth boss now won’t be replacing Neil Lennon after all.
What looked like a nailed-on move for months is now off, and Celtic have had to pivot quickly to their next managerial target – Ange Postecoglou.
The Scottish Sun claim that Celtic aim to announce the Australian as their new boss this week having quickly turned their attention to the Yokohama F. Marinos boss.
Postecoglou isn’t well-known outside of Australia and Japan; in fact, he’s only had one job in Europe, and that came with Panachaiki in the Greek third tier back in 2008.
He’s won league titles with Brisbane Roar and Yokohama F. Marinos, and even managed at a World Cup with Australia in 2014.
Fans will be keen to learn as much about Postecoglou as possible, and a former Rangers man has offered his view on the potential Celtic boss.
Matt McKay, who joined Rangers in 2011 but lasted less than a year at Ibrox, played under Postecoglou on the international stage and has told Sky Sports that he thinks Celtic fans will love his attacking style of play.
McKay thinks Postecoglou would be happy with winning 7-6 if that’s what it takes, branding him ‘very good’ tactically whilst believing that his attacking style will be enjoyable to watch.
“Maybe people don’t rate Australian coaches or football but he likes a challenge and he’ll love the fact people are doubting him already,” said McKay. “The club need a massive rebuild after what happened last season so he’ll get in there and given time he will play an attacking style of football, possession-based but fairly direct as well.”
“It’s a case of if the opposition score six, he’s happy with his team scoring seven – he’s done that throughout his career. He’s not scared to get out there and take it to teams. From my knowledge of Scottish football that is something I think the fans will enjoy.”
“He’s a great man-manager first and foremost which has shown with Brisbane Roar and the national team and now with Marinos. Tactically, he’s very good, he sets his team up well and brings in players who will do a job for him and will challenge everyone to be better,” he added.
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