In an exclusive interview with [Celtic TV] Ange Postecoglou has explained the reasons why he believes it was important to freshen up the backroom staff at Celtic.
Many football supporters were familiar with the name of Harry Kewell before he made the switch to Glasgow as a coach due to his exploits as a player.
The former Australian international had a hugely successful club career playing at the top level of English football for Leeds United and Liverpool and brings great experience to the set up at Lennoxtown. During his time in Merseyside he picked up a Champions League winning medal too.
“Harry is someone who like you say has an Australian connection but we’ve never worked together. He’s obviously one of Australia’s greatest ever footballers and a guy who’s worked really hard trying to get a coaching career going. From afar and the reports I’ve had on him he brings some real good qualities in terms of his on-field coaching and his ability to mentor players,” said Ange Postecoglou speaking to Celtic TV.
Both Postecoglou and Kewell’s paths crossed very briefly when Ange took on the job at Melbourne Victory.
Much like the job he inherited last season, it was described as a rebuild and within that process Kewell was one of the players to be released before moving on to Al-Gharafa in Qatar.
“I think for me it was really important when the players came back this year that they understood that nothing stands still. There’s constant evolution. We want to be better every year and seeing a couple of new faces in the staff I think is going to help that. He’ll bring an energy. I know he’s super excited about being involved at this level and with this football club.”
After a successful first season in the hot seat at Celtic Park, the gaffer has made it very clear that there is still much more to be done to continue improving both on and off the park.
Kewell’s last job in football was with Barnet but since then he has taken a break out of the game and it focused on continuing to learn with Ange probably being one of the best mentors there is.
“He’s got Champions League experience as a player – he’s won it, and he’s an attacking player as well which I think will help with the group we’ve got and the balance we’ve got in the coaching group. Along with Stephen McManus and Darren O’Dea I’ve got a really good, exciting young, vibrant coaching group that I know will put a lot of energy into the first team and the B team this year.”
That experience could be vital within the dressing room this season with many Celtic players having not experienced the competition before. It also gives the former Australian international an opportunity to test his ability in a different capacity at the highest level.
The Hoops have a lot of talented attacking players who will no doubt benefit of Kewell’s experience. One of those players in particular is Matt O’Riley and it shall be interesting to see how he progresses with a full season at the club.
Overall, the appointment gives a far greater balance and will have it’s knock-on benefits to the B side with a hopeful clearer pathway for youth talent to break into the first team if ready to make the step up.
