Ange Postecoglou was asked about the negative reaction of Celtic supporters to the proposed trip to Australia last night, providing a diplomatic answer that both respects fans and sets out his own reasons for excitement.
Postecoglou and the Bhoys squad will make a controversial trip to Sydney in November to play a derby against Rangers.
To say it’s gone down like a lead balloon with many fans would be an understatement. Last night The Green Brigade protested against the decision with banners at Celtic Park.
Asked about the negative reaction after the game, Postecoglou told 67 Hail Hail and other assembled outlets: “Look, I’ve said since day one that I’m not going to tell supporters what to feel and what not to feel.
“Selfishly I’m delighted. I’m all over the promotional stuff which means I’ll hopefully still be in the job by then, mate! I’d love to take this team there to show people the football we can play.
“There are a lot of our supporters in Australia. I know, I’ve lived it, who will be snapping up tickets and changing whatever holiday plans they had to come and watch us play.
“I can understand that some people have got different views on it. From my perspective, I’m not going to tell people how to feel. But I have some selfish self-interest in this. I’m going to feel super-proud to take this team to where I grew up.”
You can see where Postecoglou is coming from of course. Even if Celtic fans don’t like it, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the manager and he’s going to relish every minute of it.
He’s being as respectful of supporters as you’d expect but he’s not going to refuse the promotion of something he believes in as a concept. That’s his right too.
It remains to be seen how engaged everyone is for the November fixture but it’s an experiment the club, including the manager, are going to get fully behind.
In other news, BBC journalist responds on social media after being roasted by Ange Postecoglou at Celtic Park.
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