Ange Postecoglou has come a long way since he served as a ball boy on the sidelines at Middle Park in Melbourne. A long, long way. The stage he inhabits now is significantly grander, but the early experiences and lessons in a place that allowed him to familiarise himself with a new land while remaining intimately connected to his own world continue to guide him.
On Wednesday evening, the 57-year-old will stand in the dugout as his Celtic take on Real Madrid in the Champions League at the Santiago Bernabeu. And disappointing as results from his first foray into the competition may have been — Celtic are already locked into bottom place of their group, guaranteed to exit continental football — European nights in Madrid represent one of football’s bucket-list items. Nonetheless, Postecoglou has made clear that Celtic must feel the stage is routine if they are to establish themselves as consistent continental contenders.
“From my perspective, it’s about how can we continue to have a presence here,” Postecoglou told ESPN in an exclusive interview. “Because it’s about this football club, it’s not about me. This football club, it’s one of the biggest clubs in the world and I think a club of its stature should be in the Champions League every year.”
Of course, given Celtic’s stranglehold on Scottish football alongside bitter foes Rangers, it’s likely that the only thing standing in the way of Postecoglou delivering on this mission statement is a change to Scotland’s UEFA coefficient.
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However, this perspective, the sentiment of badge over the man and a willingness to chase exceptionalism, provides a window into the principles Postecoglou shares with Celtic and just why, across the past 14 months since his move to Parkhead, he has quickly worked his way into the hearts of an initially sceptical Celtic faithful; chants sung, tifos erected, declarations of love broadcast across various social media platforms, and even costumes donned in tribute.
Results, undoubtedly, have played a part — the Scottish giant’s fan base is not inclined to overlook trophyless seasons no matter how much of a “good bloke” someone is — as has the exciting and attacking football the coach insists upon. But elevating it all, taking the relationship between club, supporters and coach to the next level, is an underlying spirit of authenticity. Postecoglou’s unwavering commitment to his “Angeball” principles, acerbically straight-talking style, and respect for Celtic’s fans, past and values, have been reciprocated in kind; it’s an authenticity that you can’t fake, evoking a sense of credibility and loyalty you can’t buy.
“I was well aware of the football club’s history,” Postecoglou told ESPN. “I think sometimes people from [Europe] think that because we’re so far away that we don’t sort of really understand what football means over here. But if anything because we are so far away for guys like myself, I’m so passionate about the game you can immerse yourself and try and find out as much information. So I knew what I was walking into.
