Ange Postecoglou insists he isn’t thinking about ending his Celtic adventure – because he’s only just getting started.
The Parkhead boss shrugged off suggestions Japan were ready to make the former J-League champion their top managerial target after the World Cup. Postecoglou is relishing the chance to show off his Celtic side in his homeland as their Australian tour gets underway against Sydney FC.
And he insisted the only thing on his mind is building on his barnstorming start as Hoops boss. Postecoglou – who confirmed crocked captain Callum McGregor is on track to return in the first game after the World Cup – said. “It’s not that I’m ignorant to this kind of stuff. These things will always happen. It’s just not the way I’m wired. I love what I’m doing at the moment. I’m just so passionate about this football club and achieving success. But I haven’t yet achieved what I want to achieve.
“Whatever role I’ve had, that has always been my primary focus. The future will take care of itself.
“I’m under no illusions. I know how fickle the football world can be. Last year people were saying I would go for very different reasons.
“Things can change very quickly. I’ve never worried about what will happen in the future, what is out there or what my next step is. What I do is focus on something I am passionate about and I couldn’t be happier.”
Postecoglou insisted he won’t get his head turned by speculation surrounding his future as his big priority is making his mark at Celtic in the present. He said: “I don’t get distracted. I don’t think there’s any use in it.
“I love what I do. There’s no need to think about anything other than making this football club as successful as I can as long as I am here.
“That can sometimes be taken out of my hands, but while I’m here I’m just totally focused and committed to achieving something special at this club. However long I am here, I want to make a mark, because, ultimately, that’s what you’ve got left at the end of your career. Hopefully the places you have been to you can one day walk back in and be appreciated for what you’ve achieved.”
Celtic won a league and cup double last term and are already nine points clear in the Premiership this season. But Postecoglou is convinced his grand plan is not yet completed.
He said: “It’s not lost on me we were in a totally different place 12 months ago and what we have achieved collectively in terms of rebuilding a team and a squad, while having success and playing the football we’re playing. It’s been exceptional, but I just feel it’s the beginning. I know there is more to come.”
Postecoglou is looking forward to sending out his side on home soil today before taking on Everton on Sunday. The Hoops boss is out to make a big impression in front of Celtic’s Aussie fans and travelling support.
But there is also an eye on the return to competitive football after the World Cup – and he revealed a major boost with McGregor set to resume full training. Postecoglou said: “If I said to him to go out for a run tomorrow, he’d be right out there. We’re keeping a firm hold on him.
“But he’s flying. The plan is he’ll train this week and keep working over the week off and when get to Portugal he’ll be fine to go again. Are we looking at the first game back? Absolutely.”
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