Ange Postecoglou has etched his name into the record books with Celtic, securing a domestic treble. What lies ahead for the in demand Australian manager remains unclear, writes ADAM PEACOCK.
As Celtic celebrated in the early summer sun, in front of their adorning masses, we are all still in the dark about the future of Ange Postecoglou.
The Australian, who has stayed silent all week about what may happen after the Scottish Cup final, watched his side cap a memorable treble of domestic trophies with a victory over second division giant killers Inverness Caledonian Thistle 3-1.
Moments after Postecoglou got his hands on a fifth trophy in just two seasons at Celtic, he was in no mood to add to speculation he’s headed to Tottenham and the English Premier League next season.
“I want to enjoy this,” Postecoglou told Scottish broadcaster Viaplay.
“People might think it’s selfish of me, but to do what we’ve done today, just take a little chunk of history for ourselves, at this unbelievable football club with unbelievable success, I owe to my family, loved ones, to not talk about other things. There’ll be time for that, and it’s not today.”
Postecoglou insisted ahead of the game that his focus was on ending a successful campaign on a high.
The final wasn’t a classic performance from Celtic, but they did enough against a valiant Inverness.
It took until seven minutes before halftime for the Hoops to break the deadlock when Kyogo Furuhashi thrashed home his 34th goal of the season from Matt O’Riley’s cross.
Celtic, without Socceroo Aaron Mooy with a back complaint, made it two when captain Callum McGregor led a counter-attack to square for Liel Abada to tap home from close range.
Inverness made it a nervy finish when Daniel MacKay’s bullet header pulled a goal back with six minutes to go, but Postecoglou teams rarely run out of gas in big games, and Celtic’s eighth treble in club history (League, League Cup, Scottish Cup) was sealed in stoppage time when Jota controlled Abada’s cross and prodded home.
And at the end, Postecoglou stood in front of a wall of Celtic supporters, who sang his name, and the Australian spoke after about his special connection with them.
“I was a joke when I was appointed. Lot of people made fun of my appointment,” Postecoglou told media.
“But the supporters just put their collective arms around me, and said ‘no, he’s one of ours.’ And it was up to me to repay that faith and trust.”
He was then pushed and prodded by both TV and written media about when he will make a decision on his future. Postecoglou remained steadfast, reiterating time and time again his aim was to simply enjoy the winning of a treble. He didn’t deny Spurs interest. He didn’t encourage more speculation.
Pointedly, he told of his sole aim as a manager.
“I want to create teams that are special and be part of special moments.”
Nothing has changed, and as speculation runs like wildfire through Glasgow and beyond, his immediate focus is to clear his mind.
“I go on holiday on Tuesday, I cannot wait,” Postecoglou told Viaplay.
“Take the family away. We all need a good break.”
– With AFP
