Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - January 14, 2023. Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou.
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou leaving the Scottish Premiership is a ‘never say never’ situation, according to BBC pundit Alan Hutton.
The Lowdown: Attracting interest
The Australian will be out of contract at Parkhead at the end of the season and having not yet signed an extension, has been attracting interest from a trio of potential suitors.
Premier League pair Brighton and Leicester City both targeted the 57-year-old last year, whilst Leeds United were the most recent club to add him to their managerial candidate shortlist.
The Hoops boss, however, was quick to shut down any exit rumours in an interview in February, hinting that he could remain in charge for longer than expected.
The Latest: Hutton’s verdict
Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton was asked whether he thought Postecoglou could be tempted to depart at the end of the 2022/23 term, to which he replied:
“You can never say never in football.
“You just do not know what is round the corner.
“One thing I would say is that what he has done is remarkable and no wonder there is other teams looking at him.
“The turnaround, the recruitment, the players that he has brought in have been excellent. He is performing at a high level and he comes across as a really genuine guy.
“At the cup final Ange came out the tunnel and walked right over to us and he stood and chatted for ten minutes. He was answering questions, he was talking about me and my career. I was thinking ‘how does he even know me?’.
“It felt strange but it was a touch of class. He did not have to do it. He talks a lot of sense so it does not surprise me that he is a really likeable guy.“
The Verdict: Tie him down
Postecoglou has worked miracles at Celtic since being appointed manager and it’s vital that the club tie him down before suitors start circling again.
The Bhoys coach has won 73, drawn ten and lost just 16 of his 99 games in charge, averaging an outstanding 2.31 points per match (Transfermarkt).
The Greek-born man has also led his side to three trophies, twice taking the Scottish League Cup and once the Premiership trophy.
Celtic are nine points ahead of their rivals at the top of the table so Postecoglou looks set to secure a second consecutive league title at the end of the season, making him the perfect person to remain in charge north of the border.
Will Postecoglou sign a new contract?
Yes
No
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