Postecoglou relishes European atmosphere
ANGE POSTECOGLOU can’t wait to experience the atmosphere at Celtic Park on a Champions League night after hearing tales from those who have already witnessed such occasions first hand.
The Glasgow club sealed the Premiership title in the Greek-Australian’s first season in charge and thanks to an improved Scottish coefficient, direct entry into Europe’s top club competition is guaranteed.
Celtic will enter the draw for the group stage as a pot-four team, meaning they will inevitably end up facing some of the continent’s biggest hitters next term. But that’s just the way Postecoglou likes it. “It’s massive,” he told Australian outlet Sportsday. “I was watching Real Madrid v Liverpool the other day and we’ll probably get one of those, knowing my luck in draws.
“Irrespective, we will get the big guns but I can’t wait and the club can’t wait. People tell me that the most special atmosphere you’re ever going to get is at a Champions League night at Celtic Park. Everyone I’ve spoken to says it is a magical event.
“I am looking forward to it. You can’t get any higher in terms of level at club football and it is where this club is meant to be and deserves to be. It has won it once back in ’67 which was an amazing achievement. From my perspective, there is no better place to challenge myself”
Meanwhile, the former Australia manager believes that Tom Rogic received a fitting farewell from the Celtic support as his team clinched the Premiership title – and the Parkhead manager thinks that the playmaker’s contributions over the years have flown under the radar in his homeland. Rogic departed the Glasgow club on a free transfer after his contract expired in search of a new opportunity as the 29-year-old brought the curtain down on a successful nine-year spell in Scotland.
Postecoglou added: “From a Celtic standpoint, that was his last game which was a great way for Tom to end it. He’s a legend of the football club, mate. I think in Australia we probably haven’t realised the impact he has had on Celtic and Scottish football. When you look at his highlights reel, mate – it’s unbelievable. The amount of important goals in important moments for Celtic.
“I’ve had a great relationship with Tom over the last few years with the national team and particularly over the last 12 months, and he felt it was time to move on. I thought it was a great way to finish for him as a champion.”