HARRY KEWELL has revealed the secret behind the success of Ange Postecoglou – the Celtic manager’s pursuit of perfection.
The new Hoops first-team coach, who joined in summer, spoke of the gaffer’s “relentlessness” in his desire to be the best.
Former Australian international hero Kewell, 43, also talked of the impact his fellow-countryman Aaron Mooy has had since signing a two-year deal last month, but he admitted he is “baffled” at the ongoing situation regarding Tom Rogic.
TRAINING GROUND TALK-IN…Ange Postecoglou and Harry Kewell express their views.
Speaking about the qualities of Postecoglou, the one-time Liverpool and Leeds United winger said: “First, it is his attitude.
“He’s a good person, and then his relentlessness, he wants to be the best all the time, which I love.
“He’s never satisfied. He wants to keep pushing, not only himself and not only his team, but he wants to push for that next level.
“And I love being part of that.”
The ex-Socceroos chief brought in Kewell in a reshuffle that saw Stephen McManus move to the Parkhead B team set-up to encourage the youth element at the club.
Postecoglou, of course, won the Premiership title and the Premier Sports League Cup in his first season after being named the long-term successor to Neil Lennon in June last year.
WATCHING BRIEF…Harry Kewell looks on as the Celtic players go through loosening-up routines at Rugby Park before the 5-0 weeked victory over Kilmarnock.
Kewell has also had a close-up look at former St Mirren and Huddersfield Town midfield anchorman Mooy who arrived as one of the champions’ seven permanent recruits in this transfer window.
The one-time Aussie hero continued: “He looks in great shape. He looks strong, he looks powerful. His movement’s good. His touch is excellent, he’s training very well.
“He’s an important player for Australia. Aaron has played at the highest level and his experience in past World Cup competitions is going to be priceless for the national team.
“If he does well for Celtic then he’s going to be right for the Australian team.”
ON THE BALL…Aaron Mooy has made a favourable first impression at the champions.
However, Kewell is a bit perplexed at the current situation regarding Rogic who made an emotional farewell to Parkhead on May 14 after nine and a half years at the club.
The classy playmaker, 29, has been without a club for over three months with football’s biggest extravaganza due to kick off in Qatar on November 21 and conclude a week before Christmas.
Kewell, who scored 17 goals in 58 international appearances, speaking to Fox Sport, added: “You mention Tom Rogic around Celtic and they all love him.
“He was a player that a lot of his team-mates respected. They enjoyed playing with him.
“I’m a little bit baffled to know what’s happening with him. I hope he sorts himself out and I hope he’s ready. because I’m sure he wants to be there in Qatar.
“I’m sure he wants to be part of it, but it’s going to be down to him. He needs to be right mentally and physically if he wants to be part of this Australian squad.”
FINAL FAREWELL…Nir Bitton and Tom Rogic carry the newly-won Premiership silverware after their last performances for Celtic in the 6-0 win over Motherwell at Parkhead on May 14.
Kewell is now delighted to be working alongside Postecoglou and No.2 John Kennedy, recently linked with the top post at Danish outfit FC Midtjylland, as the title winners have hit the ground running with three successive league wins over Aberdeen, Ross County and Kilmarnock while firing in 10 goals and conceding one.
The Aussie was in talks with another club in England, but when Postecoglou made his move, he could not reject the opportunity to come to Glasgow.
Kewell has had mixed fortunes during his managerial career where he was a hit at Crawley Town, but was sacked at Notts County, Oldham and Barnet.
But he has now clearly settled working alongside Postecoglou and is playing his part in the manager’s insatiable quest for success.
