Ange Postecoglou’s former assistant manager Peter Cklamovski has insisted that the Hoops will ‘feel enormous love’ if they make a trip to Japan in the near future.
The Bhoys recently had a short visit to Australia as they took part in the Sydney Super Cup, with the Celtic boss making a long-awaited return to his homeland.
It may not have been the greatest of successes on the pitch, but it certainly was off it, with Aussie supporters being able to attend games and some fantastic events in Sydney.
The question has already been raised regarding future trips and where the Hoops may head in the near and distant future as the club looks to maximise itself around the globe.
The next destination could already be in the works, with suggestions earlier this year stating a trip to Japan could be on the horizon.
Celtic’s links to the country have grown massively in the last 18 months, with Ange Postecoglou’s arrival from the J-League and a further five signings from the top-flight of Japanese football.
One man who knows about Japanese football and Ange Postecoglou well is the 57-year-old’s former assistant in Australia and at Yokohama F Marinos, Peter Cklamovski.
The Australian coach is currently managing in Asia and provided his thoughts on a potential trip to Japan for Celtic, which Postecoglou was recently discussing.
Cklamovski believes it would be another great success, with the nation being ‘Celtic-mad’ and the former Socceroos boss still hugely respected on that side of the world.
He said [The Times]: “I’m sure the [Sydney Super Cup] trip reminded everyone of the huge following Celtic has in Australia,” he said. “It was no doubt a special trip for Ange, and his induction into the [Football Australia] Hall of Fame is very well deserved.
“As and when they come, Celtic will feel enormous love in Japan also and will witness the special footballing culture the country provides. Japan already seems to be Celtic-mad.
“The entire country has a huge respect for Ange and obviously has a love and support for the Japanese contingent playing at the club. You will see huge support for Celtic during a Japanese tour for sure.”
Of course, those links to Japan have risen due to the success of players such as Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi.
Despite such a brilliant year or so at Parkhead, only Maeda was selected to represent his country at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Cklamovski briefly provided his thoughts on that decision, stating that he was hoping to see Kyogo and Hatate involved. But, he expects that disappointment will drive their form in the second half of the campaign.
He continued: “I was hoping to see Kyogo and Reo named in the squad as they have done so well for Celtic. But to be fair, there is a lot of depth in the Japanese national team.
“I’m sure Kyogo and Reo were disappointed, but I’m also sure they will put that energy into Celtic’s second half of the season and push hard to win more trophies.”
Trip to Japan could see Celtic and Ange Postecoglou reunited with familiar faces.
As mentioned, a trip to Japan for Celtic seems like the ideal next step the club will take when planning another trip abroad in the near future.
With plans likely underway for the Bhoys’ pre-season preparations this summer, we could see a visit to Asia take place in the middle of next year.
There are some familiar faces that both Ange Postecoglou and Celtic could be reunited with in friendly action if that were to take place.
I am sure it is certainly an idea that is on the mind of the Hoops hierarchy. We will just have to wait and see if it comes to fruition in the coming months.
In other news, The transfer factors that could see Josip Juranovic remain at Celtic.
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