Celtic-linked Ange Postecoglou was this morning asked about the Parkhead job but refused to be drawn on the speculation during his media duties with Yokohama.
Postecoglou’s Yokohama Marinos side were in action early this morning, They came out on top in a dramatic 2-1 win against Shimzu S-Pulse. It’s a win that puts them 15 points behind first-placed Kawasaki with three games in hand.
With the game level going in at the break, it took some late drama for Postecoglou to seal the three points. A late Leo Pereira winner on 89 minutes would prove to be the winning goal, and one that still keeps them in with an outside chance in the title race given they’re still three games behind the leaders.
And in his post-match interview, Japan Times journalist Dan Orlowitz tried to question him on the Celtic job, only for him to refuse the topic:
As reported this morning by Japan Times, Postecoglou said the following:
“My job is here. This is the job I’ve got, and I’ve always done that my whole career. I’m just focused on the job I have and making sure I do well – or else other people will decide my future.”
Ange Postecoglou not entertaining talk of Celtic job; Yokohama manager playing it coy
This isn’t too surprising. It’s not unlike managers who are in demand to brush off speculation and try to keep questions focused on the club they’re currently at. A failure to do that can be deemed disrespectful to their current club.
However, at the same time, his supposed answer here tells its own story. If there was nothing in it or no approach made to him, his response would’ve been stronger. In fact, there would’ve been nothing stopping him from shutting down the rumours there and then. That he didn’t tells its own story.
Even if he was interested and hadn’t been offered the job, he could’ve simply said “no” to the question. Again, his refusal to do so tells you there’s something strong in this. It also gives you the impression he’s itching to make the move himself.
This morning’s 2-1 win ensured that Yokohama stretched their impressive run to only one defeat in 21 games. Whatever we don’t yet know of Postecoglou, it’s clear he makes his teams extremely difficult to beat. Only league leaders Kawasaki – yet to be beaten – have lost fewer games than third-placed Yokohama this term.
But it’s starting to look as if this will be Postecoglou’s final game in charge of the Japanese side. Their next game isn’t for another week, whilst Celtic need to make an announcement as soon as possible. Postecoglou having to self-isolate for 10 days after his arrival doesn’t help either.
One thing’s clear from his answer to Dan Orlowitz however – there’s something major in this if he’s refusing to rule anything out.
In other news, Celtic insiders believe Eddie Howe’s head had been turned.
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