Ange Postecoglou says he never expected a club like Celtic to even look at him.
But the Australian has vowed to justify their faith by getting Parkhead rocking again and making the club the talk of football.
Postecoglou was paraded after ending Celtic’s exhaustive search for a new boss.
Chairman Ian Bankier insisted the wait for the 55-year-old was worth it as patience is needed when hunting for “gemstones”.
Postecoglou wants to honour such a tag having been offered a glorious opportunity despite a past career outwith Europe.
He said: “I’ve had an ambition to manage on the other side of the world. Absolutely. Specifically Celtic? No because, I’ll be honest, I didn’t think a club like Celtic would look at me because of the things I have spoken about.
“I have had discussions with clubs over here who have shown some interest.
“There was a lack of real knowledge about who I was and what I did. It was disheartening for me. You have to realise okay, it’s going to take an enormous leap for somebody to make that decision and look beyond what’s convenient or normal.
“So when the [Celtic] approach came, it was fantastic for me. I got the opportunity to manage and coach on this side of the world, but to get to do it at a club like this is fantastic.
“I hope this place is rocking and people don’t sit down for 90 minutes.
“I hope the fans see almost from the first day that the football we play will excite them. I’m well aware of the expectations in terms of success but that’s why I’m here.
“I want this team playing a certain type of football that everyone talks about and everyone will talk about this football club. I gather there was a mixed response when I was announced, but my role is to provide a team they can be proud of.”
Postecoglou faces an instant task to turn a 25-point deficit to Premiership champions Rangers around and immediately win back the title.
He says he’s not eyeing a two-horse race but success will come anyway if he gets his team playing the way he wants.
Postecoglou said: “My brain is just not wired that way. I don’t think we’re in a race with one other team.
“I can sit here and talk about the beautiful football but the best reference point for me is what I produce in terms of the football with the teams I’ve had. When I get them playing in a certain way, it ends up being successful and that’s all I’m focused on right now.
“If other clubs out there do something better than me and end up ahead of us then I’ll hold my hands up, but what I know is that wherever I’ve got my teams to play the football I know I want them to play, then success follows.
“I just want us to play football everyone talks about and if we do that I reckon we’ll be well on our way to success. I don’t take finishing second too well, either. I’m driven to be successful.”
Postecoglou knows fans demand instant results, despite big upheaval in terms of playing personnel and a difficult last season.
But he added: “I don’t think they’d have brought me across here if they had won 10 in a row and were flying. That’s normal. I see it as an opportunity.
“Yes, we need to do a helluva lot of work, but that’s what I do. That’s what I’ve done everywhere.
“It didn’t put me off. If anything, it excited me. If I can get this right, that’s something else I can be proud of in my career. I didn’t hesitate. If I can get it right, it’s going to be special.
“I don’t think any manager’s got time. We all know there is expectation.
“I realise there’s an immediacy. It’s the world we live in now. We don’t want to wait long for too many things but I’ve managed to navigate a career where teams play a certain way with success at the same time.”
