Hearts star shares what Ange Postecoglou told him in 'very good moment' with Celtic boss

By John McGinley

March 21, 2023

Newcastle United prospect Garang Kuol, on loan at Hearts, appreciated getting the chance to meet Ange Postecoglou after a recent match at Celtic Park – with the Bhoys boss offering him some kind words.

Postecoglou embraced Kuol in the aftermath of Celtic beating the Jam Tarts 3-1 in Glasgow as part of a relentless run of domestic form. Kuol played 25 minutes of the encounter coming on as a substitute in the second half.

Speaking to The Age in his homeland after travelling to join up with the Socceroos squad, Kuol said: “It was very brief. He just told me, ‘I hope you’re settling in well, and keep working hard. I’m happy to see you’re working hard, and hopefully, you can keep doing well.’ It’s good for him to show that he cares about other Aussie players in the league, and that he’s there for them. It was a very good moment.”

Kuol is attracting a lot of attention after making a big move to Newcastle from Central Coast Mariners and becoming the youngest player since Pele to feature in the knockout stage of a World Cup.

He’s also been named on the prestigious NXGN list of the hottest 50 talents in world football, with many observers predicting he can forge a brilliant career for himself at a high level.

At Hearts, he’s made eight appearances so far, after joining in January, although only one of them has been a start. He’s yet to fully establish himself in the Scottish Premiership.

It was a classy touch from Ange to give him a pep talk. It’s not something we should be surprised at either – he’s previously done the same with Cammy Devlin and a host of less experienced managers in the Scottish top-flight.

Postecoglou takes his senior role seriously and has a deep care of Australian football, despite finding himself frustrated towards the tail-end of his stint as Socceroos boss.

In other news, Celtic get good news update out of Israel after Liel Abada injury reports.