Our View: Celtic duo might actually like it, if Postecoglou leaves with Japan interested

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Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou is being linked with a move to manage Japan, if boss Hajime Moriyasu struggles at the World Cup – and while Celtic will not want to lose him, duo Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate might be all for it.

Postecoglou, 57, has starred at Celtic. Managing 83 games, he has won 58 of those – guiding the Hoops to a brilliant 2021-22 Premiership title in his first season. That is, after Rangers went unbeaten to win the Premiership a year before.

The Aussie gaffer has instilled a new style on his side, completely changed the squad and the Hoops are on course to win a second league title. They were a whole lot better in the Champions League than their Old Firm rivals Rangers.

CalcioMercato claim that Celtic boss Postecoglou is a target for Japan. Moriyasu finds himself in a group with Germany, Spain and Costa Rica – a tough group. Postecoglou is well-liked by those of a footballing disposition in Japan.

Hardly unlikely. He starred at Yokohama Marinos, and as an international manager with Australia. Celtic will be keen to keep Postecoglou for as long as possible – and it will be a massive blow if he goes. But two Celtic players might like it.

Celtic will not want to lose Postecoglou but duo might be all for it

Daizen Maeda was included in Japan’s National Team. Yosuke Ideguchi missed out, but he is struggling to show why Celtic signed him. However, it was a shock to see Kyogo and Hatate miss out on the World Cup side to go to Qatar.

Of course, the duo are sparkling under Postecoglou at Celtic. Many believe Hatate could be one of his best signings. Kyogo has a huge 31 goals in 51 games – scoring 11 this season. Their omission was quite the surprise.

Especially given many would argue Maeda is probably the worst of the three. So, while losing Postecoglou would be a blow at club level – you would think that if Postecoglou became Japan manager, he would pick Kyogo and Hatate.

He knows their quality, what they are capable of, and get the best out of them in a Japan team. Postecoglou at Japan would see Kyogo and Hatate’s chances of earning Japan caps and being included in future tournaments improve.