Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou is happy talking about a number of topics; chief amongst them, his former mentor Ferenc Puskas.
Puskas remains the name in Hungarian football. He won three European Cups and five Spanish titles with Real Madrid, scoring 512 goals in 528 games for Los Blancos [Britannica].
Ange Postecoglou encountered the ‘Galloping Major’ when he was a player at South Melbourne Hellas. Puskas, well-travelled as a manager, was Postecoglou’s manager between 1989 and 1992. They won the National Soccer League in 1991.
For all of his achievements as a player and manager, though, it’s not his accolades that Postecoglou remembers.
With Celtic in Budapest, it’s natural that their time working together would come up again. For Posetcoglou, it’s a chance to pay a pilgrimage to the birthplace of one of his foremost influences.
Instead, it’s the impact Puskas had on the Celtic manager as a person. Asked by Nemzeti Sport to reflect on his former manager, Postecoglou said [Celtic FC]:
“He was a very, very humble man. It showed me that no matter what you achieve in life, there’s nothing wrong with being nice, and being respectful to all people.
“People would thrust babies in front of him, and want everything signed. He was always patient, he always had time for everyone. Sometimes when you’re a footballer – and I was in that camp – we’d get a bit full of ourselves, of our own importance.
“Watching him, and the way he dealt with people, how respectful he was, how humble he was, makes an impact. On everyone I think.
“I said that about Walter Smith’s passing. Sometimes we get caught up in the achievements of people. But we forget their biggest achievement is just being a good human being. Ferenc was definitely one of the best people that I’ve met.”
The impact Ferenc Puskas had on Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou is obvious
The effect of Ferenc Puskas is obvious in how Ange Posteoglou treats people. He’s said he’s had nothing but positive experiences with Celtic supporters. The Celtic boss is able to connect with seemingly everyone in the Bhoys support.
That’s a rare skill. And it’s humility that fans respond to, matched with ambition and a clear vision on how the team should play.
Fans took to Postecoglou almost immediately. How much of that is down to the influence of Ferenc Puskas will only be known to the Celtic boss, but in what Ange says, it’s clear how much influence is there.
From a footballing point of view, there’s further evidence. The Hungarian side of the 1950s, the ‘Mighty Magyars’, left a sizeable impression on World football. Racking up basketball scores even on the biggest stages, Hungary were an attacking side par excellence.
While their tactics might not adapt to modern football, the attitude and ethic absolutely does.
But it’s the personality that’s the main thing, here. Puskas must’ve been quite the manager to work for. How sad it is that we no longer have him.
Read more: Ange Postecoglou disappointed by Celtic fan shut-out for Ferencvaros tie
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