Ange Postecoglou knows that there are great things about winning manager of the month while he’s at Celtic; the adulation of fans, a chance to highlight the work of his staff, and, erm, an interview with Open Goal.
Yes, Open Goal were back at Lennoxtown to speak to the Celtic boss [Apple Podcasts], who’s always game for a laugh. Whether that’s at himself, Si Ferry and Paul Slane, or anything else that comes up.
Firstly, he struck a diplomatic tone, lauding the work of David Martindale and Malky Mackay, who were also up for manager of the month honours. Then, he took a cheeky swipe at Ferry, who admitted he wavered over voting for the Celtic manager.
He said [Open Goal]:
“To be fair, Dave [Martindale]’s done a good job, Malky [Mackay]’s done a super job at Ross County, you look at their form recently, they’ve done a good job.
“So thanks not for not voting for me, but anyway…”
Then, Si Ferry and Paul Slane jokingly insisted that the reason behind Celtic’s imperious league form – 13 points from an available 15 last month – was down to the the last chat the trio had at the Hoops’ training facility. Ange Postecoglou replied:
“You can draw a line back to that moment, everything changed the moment I spoke to you guys. I walked away shaking my head thinking “What the hell was that?””
Then, asked whether he was dreading having to talk to Open Goal, to the extent he didn’t want to win the manager of the month award:
“Yeah… Happy to do it boys, happy to do it.”
Hearing Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou speak to podcasts like Open Goal is an absolute treat
Just as he was funny and erudite on Australian TV, Celtic boss Postecoglou made for a hilarious and insightful guest against on Open Goal.
It’s not like he isn’t used to light-hearted football discussion. Again, in Australia, it’s probably more commonplace. In Scotland, we see plenty of overwrought analysis about refereeing decisions, column inches on SFA conspiracies, and arguments aplenty.
But that sense of humour is still so important.
And you can tell Ange Postecoglou was relishing the opportunity.
Whether Si Ferry and Paul Slane are the tactical geniuses behind Celtic’s sumptuous February form is another thing altogether. But Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou is going to have to get used to meeting the pair on a regular basis, especially with the Hoops leading the pack at the top of the table.
Whether Ange will start turning up at the Hydro for Open Goal live events though, we’re less certain.
Read more: McCoist forced into Ange Postecoglou Celtic U-turn after the embarrassing video that went viral
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