A former member of Ange Postecoglou’s coaching staff, John Hutchinson, has returned to Japan in a new role at Yokohama FC working alongside Celtic icon Shunsuke Nakamura.
Nakamura, who recently retired after a legendary 26-year professional career, was appointed as a coach at the Japanese club last week following their promotion back to the top flight.
Hutchinson, who assisted Postecoglou at city rivals Yokohama F.Marinos, has now also taken up a position working with the first-team squad after a stint coaching in the USA.
The Australian has spoken at length about the influence of the Celtic manager on his career previously, even appearing on our own 67 Hail Hail channel to provide insight into how Postecoglou works.
Earlier this year he told The El Paso Times: “It’s like a jigsaw puzzle that never has all the pieces, the holes are too big. Sometimes your path crosses with someone who changes your life or your work or your thought process, mine was Ange Postecoglou.
“I’ve always had a way of playing football, I’ve always believed in possession, in attacking, high pressure. He helped put it all together for me. You’re never complete as a football coach, you’re always changing, you’re always growing.”
It’s a nice coincidence to have someone so closely connected to Ange work with a very popular former Celtic star. Who knows, if Nakamura is adept at coaching, it may provide a nice route for the Bhoys boss to hear about it.
The Japanese midfielder made 165 appearances for Celtic in total, scoring 33 goals along the way including generationally remembered efforts against Manchester United and Rangers.
Every Celtic fan will be wishing him all the best with his coaching career, especially now he could be exposed to the Postecoglou way of thinking through Hutchinson.
Good luck guys!
In other news, SFA set to introduce new training protocols for Celtic and Scottish football.
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