Ange Postecoglou’s magic has struck once again in the transfer market as new recruit Alistair Johnston revealed how key the former Socceroos boss was in the deal being complete.
Johnston signed for the Scottish champions following appearances for the Canadian national team at the World Cup in Qatar.
The 24-year-old shall be a great addition to Postecoglou’s side fitting the profile of the football the Australian boss likes to play.
Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Canada hold a welcome event with local volunteers – Umm Salal Sport Club, Doha, Qatar – November 14, 2022 Canada’s Alistair Johnston during a welcome event with local volunteers REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
He has featured in a number of positions, and that versatility was likely key in the managers decision to bring the former CF Montreal defender to the club.
Johnston becomes the latest addition to a number of players who have arrived at the Hoops from across world football with Postecoglou having built a welcoming culture at the club which has been key to the success experienced since he arrived from Yokohama F. Marinos last summer.
Josip Juranovic went out his way after Croatia’s 4-1 victory over Canada at the World Cup to speak to Johnston as his move to Celtic turned into a reality.
When asked how quickly Johnston made his mind up after speaking to the boss he replied, “Immediately”.
“I think when you hear a manager who speaks the same language in terms of what he wants to do and has the same vision of you as a player – that’s something that really speaks to you.”
“He was trying to bring in a revolution of young players who had similar aspirations, who had a bit of a chip on their shoulder and wanted to go out and prove something.
“You know the style of football he wants to play and where he wants to be in Europe was something that felt like a perfect fit.
Reuters/Carl Recine
“It was like i was speaking to someone cut from the same cloth. For me, that was just a great fit and I knew before that Celtic was the club I wanted to go to.
“After speaking to him I said, ‘look we gotta get this done right away’.”
There has been a number of new signings who have had a similar experience to Johnston as Postecoglou has played a huge part in finalising the deal and convincing a player to join the club.
Players want to play his style of football and it is testament to him and the club for managing to get the deal done while Johnston was at the World Cup.
