ANGE POSTECOGLOU admits he will not stand in the way of No.2 John Kennedy if he wants to become a manager in his own right.
The well-respected coach has recently been linked with the manager’s job at Danish club FC Midtjylland, as CQN reported.
The Hoops gaffer insists Kennedy is a pivotal figure in his vision for the future of the club, but he will respect the wishes of the coach who has been part of the Parkhead backroom team since 2014.
In the past, he has been mentioned with the top posts at Hibs and Motherwell. Before those reports, the former club and country centre-half turned down the opportunity to go to Leicester City along with Brendan Rodgers when the Iirishman departed in February 2019 for the Midlands club.
IT TAKES TWO…Ange Postecoglou and No.2 John Kennedy confer on the sidelines.
Postecoglou insisted his right-hand man possesses the quality to be a top-class manager and he will not block his path – if, of course, the 38-year-old assistant believes leaving the champions is the correct career path.
The Greek-Australian said: “It wouldn’t surprise me if there’s interest in him. He’s a Celtic man through and through, but having had an unfortunate end to his playing career he’s made a concerted effort to get as many skills and learning experiences as possible.
“He’s worked in the academy and first team in various roles. He’s worked under fantastic managers, present company excluded!
“Should he want to move to the next phase of being a manager – and you would have to ask him that – then he would be an outstanding candidate.
“He’s a really important part of our set-up here. He leads many of the footballing areas for me and he’s done a fantastic job in my time here.”
Former Australian international Harry Kewell, the ex-Leeds United and Liverpool star, was added to Postecoglou’s backroom staff in the summer.
The Celtic boss, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “The players and staff, if they do well there may be other opportunities. It’s not down to me, their futures are in their own hands.
“At the moment John is a key contributor here and he’s really happy with what he’s doing. But what the future holds for him, or for anyone, is up to him.”
TARGET MAN…Josip Juranovic is reportedly being eyed by other clubs.
Impressive Croatian full-back Josip Juranovic has been flagged up as a potential target for English big-hitters Chelsea and Manchester United after being linked with La Liga giants Atletico Madrid in June.
The title-winners have not received any formal contact for the defender who cost a bargain £2.5million from Legia Warsaw a year ago, but the gaffer has no fears about the player having his head turned.
Postecoglou added: “It shows he’s playing well and it also shows what can happen if you play well for this club. This is a fantastic platform for anyone.
“Josip had a strong year and he wants to get even better.
“He had a strong pre-season and he’s working hard. It’s a big year for him with the World Cup, so there’s a lot for him at club and international level. He wants to be at his best and my job is to keep pushing him to be the best he can.
“The talk doesn’t affect me, mate. Whether it affects the player, then he’s the one you need to ask.
“I just look at how they play, train and behave and I’ve seen no change with anyone in the group. If I do, then I address it. It’s not something I ask daily. It’s about how they conduct themselves when they were with us representing this club.
“Josip and all the other boys are working hard in training and performing at good levels.
“My job is to keep pushing them.”
