Ange Postecoglou insists that, even while his name continues to be linked with the Tottenham Hotspur job in the Premier League, the demands that come with being Celtic manager will ensure there’ll be no time when his motivation dips.
Postecoglou has been installed as the favourite to take over as Spurs boss with most British bookmakers – alongside former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers – after reported Spurs target Arne Slot pledged his future to Feyenoord.
Reports in England say the former Australia head coach has become a primary target for the ailing Premier League club – but the situation is not new to the in-demand Postecoglou after a season of similar speculation.
Speaking ahead of getting the Premiership trophy after Saturday’s game against Aberdeen, Postecoglou said of all the speculation: “I’m aware of it because everyone keeps asking me about it.
“It’s happened in the past, I have been pretty clear it’s just not the way I think and work.
“My priority right now is just making sure we have a special day on Saturday and we have a cup final coming up in a week’s time.
“I’m not going to sit there and get distracted by things that are kind of fascinating for other people rather than myself.
“That’s where my focus is and where it will continue to be. We have had a fantastic season and we have an opportunity to make it a really special one.”
Celtic will win the treble if they beat Inverness in the Scottish Cup final but Postecoglou will quickly move on to the next challenge rather than thinking he has done it all.
“That doesn’t really change,” he said. “There is always stuff to achieve. As a football club we have the responsibility to deliver success and play football a certain way.
“We have a chance to win a cup final and make it a special year and next year we all start on zero again and the opportunity is there to try and improve and be stronger for what’s ahead.”
Aaron Mooy will miss out at the weekend with Postecoglou also revealing that his former Socceroo is struggling with a back complaint so he is also “probably a doubt for the cup final”.
Australian Associated Press