Celtic fans would be foolish to dismiss Ange Postecoglou as a poor second choice to Eddie Howe.
That’s according to leading Australian broadcaster Richard Bayliss, who insists the former Socceroos coach’s credentials compare favourably with Howe’s.
A deal to bring the former Bournemouth boss to Celtic Park spectacularly collapsed yesterday over backroom team sticking points.
After a drawn out courtship, Howe left Celtic in the lurch as the club confirmed he would not be replacing interim boss John Kennedy, who oversaw the remainder of the Premiership season after Neil Lennon's departure.
They claimed to be in “advanced” negotiations with another candidate - reportedly Postecoglou - although this development has not proved popular with fans.
However, Bayliss insists that the 55-year-old is in a similar position to Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa when he took over at Leeds United.
He tweeted: "A couple of thoughts on Ange to Celtic, and the inevitable questions which have already started. Firstly, there’s football outside of Europe, much like there’s football outside of Premier League. That world also has major honours, national team success & domestic titles.
"Australia won a first major title under Postecoglou when they beat a very good South Korea in the Asian Cup final. Players like Massimo Luongo who won player of the tournament were transformed. This after they should’ve beaten Holland at 2014 World Cup, and more than matched Chile.
"On the back of domestic success in Australia including four titles and a record 36-game unbeaten run with Brisbane, he took a struggling Yokohama FM side to the J League crown in his second year. And they were and are ridiculously entertaining.
"Postecoglou’s ability to get the most out of players motivationally and tactically is absolutely a strength. As a Leeds fan, I see similarities to Marcelo Bielsa in the way he can motivate, and the football is often similar too. It’s high tempo, attack minded. Always fun.
"When Bielsa arrived at Leeds most said it was crazy and it won’t work, no major trophies to his name. There will be some of that with Celtic if Ange arrives. Not saying it will work out the same or at all, but take the leap of faith to find out. Don’t die wondering.
"But the idea that people aren’t having Postecoglou but would’ve been happy with Eddie Howe - whose last managerial act was relegation - is fairly ridiculous. Just because you’ve heard of someone doesn’t mean they’re better than someone you haven’t. Hope it works. It might."
