Mark Bosnich insists Arsene Wenger’s 22-year Arsenal dynasty is a perfect example of why Ange Postecoglou shouldn’t be written off as Celtic boss.
The former Australian international goalkeeper was plying his trade with Aston Villa in the English Premier League when Wenger was appointed Gunners gaffer in 1996.
Bosnich recalled some newspaper headlines screaming ‘Arsene Who?’ with the Frenchman arriving in north London from Japanese side Nagoya Grampus Eight where he spent a season after joining from Monaco.
The Hoops are now looking to the Far East for their next boss with Postecoglou their new number one target following the collapse of their move for Eddie Howe.
Postecoglou’s lack of European experience and the fact he’s currently managing in the J-Laegue with Yokohama F. Marinos has led to some scepticism over the his credentials to be Parkhead gaffer.
Aussie Bosnich, who also played with Manchester United and Chelsea, understands why questions are being asked and admitted it is a risky appointment.
However, the 49-year-old backed up his compatriot and said: “I was in England when Arsene Wenger was appointed Arsenal manager way back in 1996.
“And I’ll never forget the headlines on the majority of the back pages was ‘Arsene Who?’. Well, we found out since who Arsene Wenger was.
“I can understand the angst from Celtic fans because winning the title in Australia and Japan is not managing in the Scottish Premiership or managing a club the size of Celtic whose worldwide support is right up there and they are an absolutely massive club.
“But if he gets appointed - and it’s still a big if as far as I’ve heard - then he does deserve a chance.
“If he gets appointed then he does deserve a chance but it’s a big risk, there’s no doubt about that.”
Bosnich admitted he was often at odds with Postecoglou over his free-flowing style and says he will have to learn quickly that football is results-driven.
That is certainly the case when managing either half of the Old Firm and Bosnich, speaking to Sky Sports, said: “In terms of his playing philosophy, I used to have debates with him.
“I wouldn’t say arguments. I had debates with him because he was a big fan of it being about the process and that was more important than the result.
“He will find out very quickly, as I’m sure he has in Japan, that the result is going to define exactly how he goes here.
“He loves to play attractive football and for his team to press high. He loves centre backs who can play out from the back.
“He prefers to play a 4-3-3 which sometimes can be a 4-2-3-1 but if there’s one word that describes his coaching then that would be adaptable.
“He did have a fantastic time at a club called Brisbane Roar where he pretty much revolutionised the way football was played in Australia and he’s won the title in his first foray into Asia with Yokohama F. Marinos.”
