German legend Jurgen Klinsmann planning Celtic Lennoxtown trip

By John McGinley

April 1, 2023

World Cup winner Jurgen Klinsmann is set to become the latest coach to make a visit to see Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic up close at Lennoxtown, the Bhoys boss has revealed this weekend.

Klinsmann recently took charge of the South Korea national team and handed striker Hyeongyu Oh opportunities in the recent international break. After watching him in action, he indicated to Korean media that he was excited about the Celtic player’s potential.

Now he’s planning a journey to Scotland to watch Oh in club action, as well as catch up with Postecoglou and some of Celtic’s training. Postecoglou shared that Hajime Moriyasu has made similar trips in the past, with the Japan national boss also reported to be visiting Europe this month.

Postecoglou happy to welcome coaches to Lennoxtown

He told The Scottish Daily Mail [01/04 print edition, page 114]: “Hajime has been here before to visit us and we have had other staff from the Japan national team, too. There have been other coaches visit, too, and I believe Jurgen Klinsmann is planning a trip. I know Hajime very well from my time over there and I would be happy to see him. We are a very welcoming club for everyone.”

Anything that boosts Oh’s chances of becoming a firm fixture with South Korea sounds good. It’s also better for everyone if there is an understanding between Celtic and Korean staff – it will help in situations where decisions need to be made about fitness and selection.

Over the course of this year, Postecoglou will also be keen to sound managers out about their plans for players regarding the upcoming Asian Cup in 2024. A number of Celtic players could be representing Japan and Korea at that tournament – with potentially more in the future considering the way the Bhoys have been exploring those markets. It is mid-season so very much will be a part of Ange’s planning in the future.

Celtic’s global outlook since Postecoglou arrived has been genuinely refreshing. It feels modern and a way forward for the club that can help us progress on multiple fronts.

This may be a small part of that, it’s just a visit after all, but it’s still heartening to see us forge important relationships.

In other news, Celtic’s Dingwall mission after Saturday Scottish Premiership results.