Japan Times journalist Dan Orlowitz has stated that the Yokohama Football Association have blocked journalists not at today’s Yokohama Marinos game from asking Ange Postecoglou questions.
In recent times, Postecoglou has been the subject of questions from zoom calls. This has given plenty of people the opportunity to ask the Greek-Australian about his link to Celtic in recent weeks.
However, it appears that the Yokohama Football Association have made an interesting move for today’s game. Local FAs are able to make decisions on things like press coverage for Emperor Cup matches. Only a small handful of journalists are signed up to be at this morning’s match, which kicks off at 10am UK time.
Below, Orlowitz explains the details of the situation today:
Yokohama FA make disappointing shutout decision
This is a massively disappointing decision from the Yokohama FA. Especially when you consider that Marinos themselves were happy for more journalists to be given access.
It’s difficult to understand why there’s even a major need for them to control the narrative. It’s clear that Postecoglou is going to be the next Celtic manager at some point in the coming days. There’s nothing to hide anymore.
Alternatively, they could’ve made it clear that no questions on Celtic were allowed if it’s something they were so touchy about. Straight up locking out those wishing to join via Zoom, especially in the middle of a pandemic, is disappointing.
What that means is that there is now a lesser chance of us being struck with any breaking news after today’s game. Depending on what the agenda is for the journalists in attendance, it could be the case that Celtic don’t even get a mention.
Even so, this still looks like being Postecoglou’s final game in charge of Yokohama. The Scottish Sun reported earlier this week that Celtic were ready to appoint him late this week. It’s hugely difficult to see him being in charge for the game against Consadole Sapporo on Sunday.
But, in the meantime, it looks as though the YFA will try to control the narrative.
In other news, we take a look at how much Olivier Ntcham will reportedly earn in Greece should he leave Celtic.
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