CHRIS SUTTON believes Ange Postecoglou WILL leave Celtic at some stage in his managerial career.
However, the former Hoops striker insists it will NOT be any time soon with the 57-year-old Greek-Australian boss still having business to take care of at the champions.
Postecoglou has been a phenomenon since being appointed as Neil Lennon’s long-term successor in June 2021. The new man inherited a dispirited bunch of players who had severely under-performed in the previous crusade when the quest for a historic tenth successive title was well and truly blown shortly after the turn of the year.
The team limped in 25 points off the pace in the bid for the crown and without a trophy for the first time in 11 years.
OH NO…Odsonne Edouard can’t bear to look after a horror miss at Ibrox.
Unhappy players such as Odsonne Edouard, Kristoffer Ajer and Ryan Christie wanted out of the club while loanees Mohamed Elyounoussi (Southampton), Shane Duffy (Brighton), Jonjoe Kenny (Everton) and Diego Laxalt (AC Milan) were heading back to their parent clubs.
Postecoglou sprinkled some stardust over Paradise and spent money wisely as he brought in a posse of replacements in the shape of Kyogo Furuhashi, Liel Abada, Joe Hart, Filipe Jota, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Carl Starfelt, Giorgos Giakoumakis, Josip Juranavic and others as he turned around the fortunes of the club in dramatic circumstances.
The crown was reclaimed and the League Cup was thrown in for good measure as the new manager took Scottish football by storm.
It was a sensational turnaround that was bound to attract interest from elsewhere.
Sutton said: “Some Celtic supporters get a little nervous any time a big vacancy comes up in England. We saw it earlier in the season with the Brighton talk and there were probably a few sighs of relief when Everton went for Sean Dyche this week.
JOY BHOYS…Ange Postecoglou signings Filipe Jota and Kyogo Furuhashi celebrate another goal on Celtic’s way to their tenth title in 11 years.
“Inevitably, Ange Postecoglou’s name was thrown into the mix. It’s understandable after what happened with Brendan Rodgers a couple of years ago when he jumped ship at the business end of the season.
“The link with Everton was fairly low-key this time, but Postecoglou’s name will have been considered. Whether he would have been interested is a different matter.
“I just don’t see Postecoglou as the kind of guy to walk away at this stage of the season.
“I’m basing that on the way he gets the club, what he says in the media and the job he is currently doing at Celtic.
“But do I think he’ll be around for the long term? It depends how you define long term. Can I see him still being here in five years? I’m not so sure.”
HAIL, ANGE…the Celtic boss gives the thumb’s up sign after the 2-0 Viaplay League Cup semi-final win over Kilmarnock at rain-lashed Hampden a fortnight ago.
Sutton, speaking to the Daily Record, continued: “There is usually a pattern with Celtic managers, even successful ones, where the Champions League becomes a priority and sometimes there’s a glass ceiling.
“I don’t think he’ll be going any time soon, though.
“I don’t believe he’d go during this season and, while nothing is impossible, I seriously doubt he’d go in the summer. Postecoglou will feel he has unfinished business at Celtic, particularly in Europe.
“There were promising signs in the Champions League this season, but results were disappointing. There will be a lingering sense of frustration the team were not able to bloody a few noses in terms of achieving victories, rather than just good spells within games.
“You’d think he would like another crack at it next term. It’s a huge challenge, but the significance of competing at that level is not lost on him.
“Look at Manchester City. Pep Guardiola looks pretty happy, but you don’t know what could happen and that opportunity will be available one day. I’m not saying Postecoglou is the next Manchester City manager, but he has worked with City Football Group at Melbourne and Yokohama.
“They know all about him and a lot of other clubs now do, as well.”
The one-time England international forward added: “People’s eyes are open to not just what he’s done at Celtic, but what he’s achieved over his 25-year coaching career.
SUNSHINE BHOY…Ange Postecoglou is all smiles as holds the newly-won Premiership trophy after the 6-0 win over Motherwell on May 14 2022 to bring the curtain down on a memorable debut season as Celtic gaffer.
“He’s won titles everywhere he’s been and it’s not a case of would clubs in England look at him – it’s why wouldn’t they?
“Postecoglou will move down south one day and it will be whether or not it aligns with his thinking.
“A lot will depend on performances in Europe next season. Suitors down south and across the Continent couldn’t fail to take notice of the improvement he’s made at Celtic, his style of play and the fact he’s turned the side into a winning machine.
“But he’s got a title to win in the short term. There are a few days left in the transfer window, but it looks like the business is done in terms of incomings.
“I’ve said before letting Josip Juranovic leave and doing the same with Giorgos Giakoumakis is a gamble. But when it comes to signings it looks like the manager has done some good business again.
“His hit-rate in the transfer market has been remarkable. Even the best managers bring in the odd dud, but the vast majority of Postecoglou signings have been successful.
“I’d expect a few more fringe players to go, but Postecoglou has plenty of options all over the pitch.
“He has barely put a foot wrong with his signings and I’d expect him to stick around a while longer to see the fruits of his labours.”
