Australian manager Ange Postecoglou has now been announced as Antonio Conte’s replacement at Tottenham. His decision to leave Celtic in a conundrum considering the success that Postecoglu enjoyed during his time at Celtic. We caught up with former Celtic manager John Barnes to assess Postecoglu’s time at the Scottish club as well as his thoughts on who should replace the Australian.
Postecoglou time at Celtic was sensational
The appointment of Ange Postegoclu isn’t the most glamorous managerial appointment according to some in the football world. Yet based upon his time managing Celtic, it could be argued that Tottenham fans should be very excited by his hiring. During his time in Glasgow the Australian has a record of winning five out of six domestic trophies during his two seasons at Celtic. Which includes back-to-back league title wins. Barnes says that Postegoclu’s honours speak for themselves and highlights his management style as a reason behind the success he has enjoyed.
“His management style must have been good because they won the treble.”
“Celtic were always going to come again because of the quality they have but what he was able to do at the club was sensational.”
Postecoglou has to hit the ground running at Tottenham
Despite proving to be highly successful during his two years at Celtic, Barnes has some words of warning for Postecoglou which could prove to be highly controversial. Postecoglou is a Greek born Australian and so Barnes is wary of the possibility that he could have a tougher job winning people over due to the fact he isn’t European or South American.
“It’s going to be more difficult for him at Tottenham and he will have to win people over because he’s not European or South American.”
“No matter how good he is, the fact he’s Australian means that he will have to hit the ground running and do well or questions will be thrown at him.”
“Tottenham have been very inconsistent in the last few years but may have accepted it from a Conte or Mourinho because they’re European.”
“For me if you’re good enough it doesn’t matter where you’re from but this is the way the world is.”
“He’s really good and he did a fantastic job at celtic and I hope he’s given a chance even if they don’t start well.”
Barnes supports a Rodgers return to Celtic
Celtic will now be on the hunt to replace their former manager ahead of the upcoming season. Brendan Rodgers is being heavily linked with a sensational return after leaving Celtic to join Leicester City in 2019. Barnes is wary that this appointment may not go down well with the Celtic fan base but is an advocate for his hiring all the same.
“Brendan knows Celtic well and so I think it would be a good move even if the fans weren’t happy when he left the last time.”
“No manager will turn down the opportunity of managing in the Premier League.”
“If Celtic are willing to have him back I think he would be very successful there because he’s going to the best team in Scotland, he’s a good coach and knows the club inside out.”
