Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou will want to ‘finish the job’ in the Scottish Premiership amid exit links, according to BBC pundit and commentator Chris Sutton.
The Lowdown: Leeds targeting Postecoglou
Leeds United sacked Jesse Marsch on Monday following a poor start to the season, and the Hoops boss is reportedly on the shortlist of favourites to take over, alongside the likes of West Brom coach Carlos Corberan.
This isn’t the first time the Australian has been linked with a move to the Premier League after Brighton and Leicester City were both chasing him in 2022, though he was quick to dismiss any exit rumours.
Now, despite being targeted for a third time, the chances of him turning down the Elland Road vacancy are high according to one former Bhoys legend in particular…
The Latest: Sutton shares what he knows
Speaking to the Daily Record, Sutton admitted that Postecoglou will, one day, transition to the Premier League, but suggested that he remains keen to see out his long-term project at Celtic:
“I have no doubt Postecoglou will manage in the Premier League. But I don’t think the time is now. Leeds are a big club and they have a lot of potential, even though they are in a difficult position right now.
"It might be a different proposition if the question came in the summer. But I just think Postecoglou will be mindful of what happened when Rodgers left.
“It left a bad taste in the mouths of supporters who had idolised him for two and a half years. There was a furious response.
"There was a feeling he left them in the lurch and he still hasn’t been forgiven in the eyes of a lot of supporters. But from what I get from Postecoglou’s comments he would want to finish the job he started.
“There’s a title to be retained, the Viaplay Cup Final around the corner and the Scottish Cup on the line as well. There’s also the Champions League again and that is something I think will be a big motivating factor for him.”
The Verdict: New contract deserved
Postecoglou will be out of contract at Celtic at the end of the season, but considering how much he’s transformed the team, the hierarchy should offer him a new deal.
The Greece-born manager has won 69, drawn ten and lost just 16 of his second consecutive Premiership title.
Ange also led his side to the League Cup trophy in 2021/22, and there’s no doubt that the Hoops will enjoy many more years of success should the boss remain at the helm.