Ange Postecoglou is an ideal fit for Tottenham right now.
And, if he fancies that job and a crack at the English Premier League if it is offered, I can’t really see what Celtic can do about it. I’ve heard people talk about offering him big new contracts. Offering huge budgets for transfer fees to make a bigger impact on the Champions League to try to ward them off.
My own opinion looking from the outside in is that it isn’t down to money, be it for himself or for players that he could buy. This comes down purely to ambition. Whether or not there is that ambition to manage in the English Premier League. It’s not really about Celtic because if that ambition really does burn within him, Spurs would offer an incredible chance at this stage of his managerial career. Postecoglou wants to make a mark in the Champions League. But what sort of a mark can he make at Celtic as opposed to in London?
We have all spoken at length about how the finances of the game are making it impossible for Scottish clubs to compete against the elite. Contrast that with Spurs. They were in a Champions League Final four years ago. That’s the level they can reach. Even if it looks a fair way back to those standards right at this moment in time for them, it is within their reach to go out and go toe to toe with the giants of Europe. It’s been shown as recently as that 2019 Final against Liverpool.
There are plenty of people lining up to say that Spurs are a shambles and Spurs are this and that and why would he go. To be honest, I’m also of the opinion that Spurs are a bit of a basket case at the moment. But you could hardly say Celtic were in spectacular shape when he walked in the front door. Challenges seem to inspire the guy. That was certainly the vibe that came off him the day he was unveiled in Glasgow and has done ever since.
His name has been linked with jobs south of the border for most of this year and some of them have been decent enough roles. But hand on heart, can anyone say that a Brighton, or a Wolves are in the same ball-park as Spurs?
This is one of the so-called big six down in England. One of the really massive clubs playing in an incredible new stadium. It’s just waiting to be lit up by someone. Even if he had ambitions to get to England when he moved to Celtic, and I’m not saying that he did, he could not have surely dreamed of getting a club of that stature straight off the bat.
I don’t know what is going on in Postecoglou’s head. I’m only giving an opinion. His cards seem to be always close to his chest. For all I know, he’s perfectly content to stay at Celtic. And of course, Postecoglou could have put these Spurs links to bed last week. Whether it’s as simple as he didn’t do it so therefore he must be mad keen to go there, I can’t say.
Firstly, it’s right that he batted the talk off and made it clear his focus was on the Scottish Cup Final. That was the correct thing to do. And, secondly, why would you close the door on anything, anyway? Postecoglou has done a magnificent job at Celtic. His manner has been excellent and, most importantly, his style of football has been outstanding.
Now I get all the stuff about Spurs not winning anything. But even when they didn’t win under Mauricio Pochettino, the fans loved the football. Like Celtic, there is a DNA within Spurs. The three previous permanent managers since Pochettino have been nowhere near it. Nuno Espirito Santo’s football was dull. Same for Jose Mourinho and it was a similar theme under Antonio Conte. Back foot stuff which can just about be tolerated slightly if they are getting results.
Playing that way and losing is simply unacceptable to the fans there and they need a lift. The type of lift that Postecoglou gave to Celtic.
I’m not advocating he should head out of the door and jump on the first flight to London. As a former Celtic player, I’d love to see him stay and continue his excellent work at my old club.
As a genuine fan of Scottish football, I’d also like Postecoglou around because his style makes for great viewing and he’s been great entertainment himself as well as putting a stylish side onto pitches here. But I’m also not daft and I am realistic. Whether you like it or not, the English Premier League is the most attractive in the world.
Look at the level of player who chooses to go and ply their trade there. Some of the finest talents on the planet. Look at the managers. They are the best around.
Postecoglou would be battling it out with the likes of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp. That has to be attractive to anyone who has ambitions to go as high as they can.
It’s why going, not just to England, but such a big club would represent such a sparkling opportunity.
As I said, this really has nothing to do with Celtic. If they were playing in the English Premier League and able to spend enough to properly compete in the Champions League, you’d imagine he’d stay because I believe he has developed a real affection for the place. But they are not. So if Spurs were to make the right offer, it’s hard to see it being turned down.
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