During the Yokohama F Marinos v Honda game, it was clear that fans had come to accept Postecoglou would be leaving.
There were plenty of gestures. A banner in English saying “we love our boss” could be seen from the crowd. Additionally, according to translation from Japanese football journalist Dan Orlowitz, Postecoglou received a warm reception from the Marinos supporters in attendance.
Although foreign media were locked out of the pre-match press conference, the signs are good for Celtic supporters. Postecoglou has been largely coy about speculation linking him to the Hoops job. However, that reverence and respect is a valuable trait in a manager. Certainly one who’s famously outspoken.
In a strange game, for which we’ll have a match report after Extra Time, Postecoglou’s side laboured against a fourth-tier outfit. Utilising fringe players from the depths of his squad, Honda took a shock lead in the first half, before Marinos were able to equalise.
At least Yokohama F Marinos fans can wave goodbye to Postecoglou
Given the state of the world, a warm goodbye – if Postecoglou does indeed leave – isn’t something to be taken for granted. Neil Lennon, for example, didn’t have the raucous Celtic crowd to benefit from this season. Brendan Rodgers, who left Celtic very suddenly in February 2019, wasn’t waved away.
However, the probable next Celtic manager will have the benefit of saying goodbye to the supporters. For sure, the Marinos crowd are enraptured by the Greek-Australian. Having taken a while to adapt to his tactics, his Yokohama F Marinos side became league champions in 2019, playing outstanding attacking football all the while.
It’s not a relationship either party will have taken for granted. And the esteem they hold Postecoglou in is a welcome sight for Celtic supporters. While he’s more than capable of bringing a siege mentality to Celtic, we need a positive relationship with our next manager.
After the trauma of Neil Lennon’s tenure, there’s a fractured relationship between supporters and the club. A popular manager, then, is vital. While results will be the determining factor, how he speaks to us early on could define the relationship. It’s unlikely anyone in the Celtic support wants to be this angry at the club just now.
READ MORE: Postecoglou must avoid the Mowbray Precedent
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
