Chris Sutton fears Ange Postecoglou could find the Tottenham job too tempting to turn down.
The Celtic boss has shot up the wish list for the English Premier League big guns after they were knocked back by top target Arne Slot at Feyenoord. Postecoglou is understood to be under serious consideration for the role to replace sacked Antonio Conte next season – along with heavy hitters such as former Spain coach Luis Enrique, ex-Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann and Sporting’s Ruben Amorin.
Tottenham have recently appointed Scott Munn as chief finance officer – who was part of the City Football Group along with Postecoglou. Munn was chief executive at Melbourne City before fronting up the CFG’s Chinese and Far East wing when the Celtic boss was in the tent with Yokohama F Marinos.
The pair also go back to the A League days but Postecoglou’s name has been touted for numerous jobs in England in the last 12 months with Leicester City, Everton, Southampton and Brighton all keeping tabs on the Treble chasing boss. Former Celtic hero Sutton admitted Hoops fans are right to be worried their gaffer could land an offer that is too good to refuse.
The Record Sport columnist said: “I’m not shocked Postecoglou is high up on Spurs’ list. I’m more surprised he wasn’t high up on it in the first place and it’s taken a few to drop out of the running for him to move up. I would love Postecoglou to stay at Celtic. It’s a huge job and there is unfinished business for him at Celtic Park, like the Champions League.
“But I am also a realist and I know Spurs would be a huge draw. We don’t know what Postecoglou is thinking but it’s not a leap to believe he would want to test himself in the English Premier League one day.
“He’s been linked with numerous jobs down south and there is a feeling clubs are starting to sit up and take notice of his achievements in Scotland, but also his CV from Japan and Australia. It’s clear they now know he’s a top class coach. Celtic fans are right to be concerned.
“I know Spurs have their issues but this is not a club struggling at the foot of the division in danger of relegation. Even after an apparently disastrous campaign, they have still been in the running for the Champions League places.
“When you look at the stadium and the finances, there is huge potential. There’s been problems, of course. Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte – two of the best managers in the world – couldn’t crack it at Spurs. But watching Postecoglou, he will have the self-confidence and belief he could be a success there.”
Tottenham fans are demanding new approach after seasons of failure under supremo Daniel Levy. And Sutton is concerned Postecoglou could be the answer to their problems.
He said: “I speak to a lot of Spurs fans on the radio and a lot of them are fed up with the way the club play. They were sick of the style of football under Jose. They were sick of the defensive approach under Conte.
“There is a historical demand for entertaining, attacking football at the club – and Postecoglou ticks those boxes. I’m sure a lot of Spurs fans would be happy to see him come in, even if he might not be the big name appointment some of the other candidates might be.
“This is a club that is craving silverware – they’ve only won one trophy in 20 years. Postecoglou is a serial winner. But Postecoglou would back himself. Would be be tempted? Of course he would be.
“He has been in the game long enough to know you sometimes have to move when you are hot. Celtic will be aware of it as well.
"They know he won’t be around forever and I’ve got no doubt they will have a contingency plan in place. But I would think even Celtic fans would understand if he made that decision, even if they would be desperately disappointed.”
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