ANGE: HIS IMPACT SO CRUCIAL
ages. The Aussie said: “He only had 12 months here but what an impact. For anyone involved in football, that is kind of what your ultimate ambition is.
“That when it’s all done and dusted and finished up in your career, you’ve left a mark. You’ve felt like you belonged somewhere.
“Wim is definitely a part of Celtic folklore for the eternities to come because of the amazing impact he had in the 12 months he was here.
“It’s sad news, particularly for his family and those closest to him.
“He was a huge figure in Dutch football, part of that golden era of Johan Cruyff. He made his mark as a player.”
Postecoglou also arrived from Japan to set about a Hoops rebuild.
He said: “As managers, we were probably in a unique space.
“Not many have come over from Japan to Europe to coach and we both did it at this club. Sometimes it’s not about how long you’re at a club, it’s more about the impact you make and how you deal with what’s in front of you.
“He came in at a challenging time, knowing that the stakes were at the absolute highest. He navigated it superbly and then got an unbelievable outcome in winning the league and signing Henrik Larsson, things that were not just for the 12 months he was here but had a lasting impact.
“Every manager works under the same philosophy that, wherever you go, you leave it in a better place than how you picked it up and your legacy remains on. That’s what happened with Wim.
“When you look at it from the outside, you might think he only had a year at the club and how much impact can you have in a year?
“But the fact that we are talking about him today and his status among Celtic fans shows you that his impact wasn’t just about 12 months, it lasted a lot longer.”
Dutch legend Cruyff once stated Jansen was one of only four men in the world worth listening to when it comes to football.
Postecoglou added: “Cruyff was a pretty harsh judge when it came to football discussion, so if you can make a list that he puts together then you are absolutely in elite company.
“His impact even as a player as part of that famous Dutch team was remarkable.
“It’s a sad time but the important thing is that because of his impact, both as a player and as a manager, his memory will live on.”