Former Aston Villa, Manchester United and Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Bosnich has rated the first half of Celtic 3-0 Rangers, the first Derby win under Ange Postecoglou, as the best half of football he’s seen in Europe this year.
Bosnich, a veteran of the Premier League and a 17-cap Socceroo, is now a big-time pundit in Australian media. And he believes that Ange Postecoglou has masterminded a complete turnaround at Celtic, compared to the doldrums of last season.
The Aussie, who signed for Manchester United as a youngster in 1989, held talks with Celtic in 2000 [BBC], but turned newly appointed Bhoys boss Martin O’Neill down.
The Hoops were at their sparkling best on Wednesday night, backed by an incredible Celtic Park atmosphere. They then repeated the fast-paced, attack-minded football from the Derby against Motherwell, consolidating first place in the Scottish Premiership.
And Bosnich was full of praise for the Bhoys and Ange Postecoglou. He told the Stan Sport Football podcast [Stan Sport]: “…that first half [against Rangers]… the atmosphere from the Celtic Park crowd was amazing, that must be said.
“That gave me tingles.
“I would go as far to say that’s one of the best performances we’ve seen from any side in Europe, thus far in 2022. It was superb.
“13 games to go, they obviously beat Motherwell at the weekend. One point clear. It’s still a very tough time, European football to come back for both them and Rangers. But what a turnaround! Remember, 25 points [between Celtic and Rangers last season].”
Australian figures like Mark Bosnich are right to sing the praises of Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou
This is far from the first time we’ve heard Mark Bosnich talk about Ange Postecoglou and Celtic. When the Hoops were close to bringing the Greek-Aussie tactician to Celtic Park, Bosnich described the move as a “big risk”, but praised his brand of attacking football and high pressing.
For many Australian pundits, there might’ve been a moment of concern about how Ange Postecoglou was going to get on at Celtic. After all, this is a guy flying the flag for Australian football worldwide. If he were to succeed, it would’ve opened the doors for A-League managers in Scotland at the very least.
So, the fact that Ange is doing so well is a feather in a significant boost for so many.
As for his comments, well, yes – nearly a week on, it’s still hard to comprehend that Glasgow Derby win, in terms of just how convincing Celtic were. The same is true of our 4-0 thrashing of Motherwell, in which Socceroo Tom Rogic scored a double.
These are, indeed, changed days. So much of that is attributable to the manager, no question.
It’s no surprise Mark Bosnich has been left so impressed. He wouldn’t have been the only one with tingles watching Celtic over the last week.
Read more: Celtic boss’ superb encounter with Charlie Nicholas after early-season criticism
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