‘My banker’: Ange Postecoglou on the one signing he knew would be a success

By Ben Evans

March 15, 2023

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has now said that he was certain Kyogo Furuhashi would be a success when he signed for the club.

Ange was speaking to the club’s official YouTube channel, reviewing some of his key moments in charge. He reached 100 games in the dugout at Celtic Park last week when his side beat Hearts 3-1. It was a result that put kept them nine points clear of Rangers with the league split approaching.

They’ve also got a Scottish Cup semi-final against their fierce rivals to look forward to after the international break. His time in charge has been an unmitigated success, delivering a league title in his first season at the club.

One of Ange’s first signings at Celtic was a little-known forward called Kyogo Furuhashi. Some may have been sceptical about the Australian’s experience in the J-League when he first arrived. However, it’s proven to be an untapped market full of brilliant players, and the Bhoys have certainly benefitted.

Ange always confident Kyogo would succeed at Celtic

Asked about the Japanese forward when assessing Celtic’s 6-0 win over Dundee in 2021, Ange said: “Kyogo was my banker, I had no doubt he would be successful. His debut against Hearts, he literally walked into the building at lunchtime, I introduced him to the boys, and put him straight on the bench.

“I knew after that, once he was up and running, he would be exciting for the fans and a good footballer for us in terms of getting the goals we need.

“That was hugely important in that early period because I think the support I got from the terraces in that early part was on the back of, ‘OK we haven’t seen the real evidence of a team yet, but we’re going to see the individuals within that.’”

Furuhashi already has 20 league goals this season, meaning he’s comfortably leading the way in the Scottish Premiership. Callum McGregor has compared him to Moussa Dembele and Odsonne Edouard, saying he’s one of the best forwards he’s ever played alongside.

Ange is always praising Kyogo for his performances, and admires his work-rate in a Celtic shirt. The striker is simply indispensable right now, and integral to the way Celtic play.

He’ll be hoping for better luck when the Hoops return to the Champions League next season. Kyogo failed to score in Europe’s premier competition this time around but will think he’s due one given how many chances the Bhoys created in the competition.

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