Ange-inspired title win in Japan as Celtic manager's legacy pays dividends

By John McGinley

November 5, 2022

Ange Postecoglou’s former club, Yokohama F.Marinos, have won the J-League title this weekend after a final-day victory away to Vissel Kobe.

Marinos went into the match two points clear needing a result to keep Kawasaki Frontale at bay and after a 3-1 win have now lifted the silverware for the first time since Postecoglou left Japan to leave Celtic.

Fellow Australian Kevin Muscat, who Ange recommended for the job after his departure, is the man who masterminded the title win this season.

While Muscat and his coaching staff deserve credit on their own terms for a brilliant job done over the last 12 months, especially in the context of high player turnover, it does demonstrate that Postecoglou’s legacy is still helping his former club to find success.

Muscat himself has described Postecoglou as a friend and mentor, with this achievement more evidence of Postecoglou’s incredible influence on Australian football coaching.

Marinos publicly stated their intent to continue with the methods and attacking football of Postecoglou after he switched to Scotland. That approach has paid dividends, further vindicating the Celtic manager’s outlook on football.

The Bhoys boss will no doubt be delighted to see his former club do well, especially under the guidance of a compatriot and friend in Muscat.

We know the J-League is still a competition Postecoglou keeps a close eye on, with reports suggesting more signings from the country could be on the way to Scotland over the next couple of months.

Congratulations to Muscat and everyone at Yokohama F.Marinos for their success!

In other news, Former Paradise star Van Dijk gives class Celtic reminder.