Ange Postecoglou recalls meetings with ‘one in a million’ Martin O’Neill as Celtic manager

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Ange Postecoglou recalled what it was like to meet Martin O’Neill during his time as Celtic manager before praising the work he has done in his spell as interim.

Postecoglou was speaking at the UEFA Pro Licence Student Exchange this week, where Shaun Maloney revealed that the Australian was still helping out the Hoops and he has been watching them with a close eye.

Although a return to Celtic is unlikely for Postecoglou, he has admitted that seeing O’Neill work his magic has made him rethink any plans about retiring as he talked about what it was like meeting the 74-year-old.

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Ange Postecoglou discusses meeting Martin O’Neill

The two crossed paths on some occasions during Postecoglou’s time in Scotland and it is fair to say that O’Neill left a lasting impression on him.

Martin is one in a million,” he told The Herald. “I was fortunate enough to bump into him a few times when I was up there and he was always very, very respectful towards me. What a man! What a great storyteller!

Having seen the work that the Irishman has done in his two spells this season, Postecoglou also went on to add that any thoughts of retiring from management after difficult spells with Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest are off the cards.

“I don’t think the game ever leaves you. Just ask any manager who is kind of getting on in years. I certainly don’t feel like I’m in a space of winding down at all,” he added. “I’m still really passionate about the things I want to do and things that are at the forefront of my mind.

“I’m really passionate about coaching, but I’m also passionate about coaching education, the development of coaches. A lot of the assistant coaches I’ve had are now senior coaches. I believe the way I behave and what I say can have an impact on people in a positive way.

“Because of my journey, I’ve always tried to embrace and understand the landscape I’m entering wherever I’ve landed. I enjoyed my time in Scotland immensely because the people there are really passionate about their football and their football club.

“That passion permeates into the coaches. That’s fertile ground to produce top coaches. Because that’s where it all starts – having enthusiasm and passion for the game.”