Celtic have been handed a warning from former Dundalk manager Filippo Giovagnoli who was in a similar situation to Postecoglou, without his UEFA Pro License when he became manager.
In the past week, some doubt has been thrown in about whether Postecoglou will be able to complete his move to the Hoops without the correct coaching badges, having not managed long enough in Europe to do so.
Last season, the Italian was forced to quit his role with the Irish side for what is known as ‘shadow coaching’, which some have suggested could be put in place next season.
While Giovagnoli didn’t have the needed qualifications, an analyst at the club, Shane Keegan, acted as manager in their ties against Rapid Vienna and Arsenal.
Being caught out by a UEFA delegate, the club were fined and threatened with a European ban. But instead, Giovagnoli quit his role.
Whilst Celtic have reportedly insisted they remain confident, in an interview with the Daily Record, Giovagnoli has warned the Hoops about a similar move.
“Ange can’t be on the bench for the Champions League unless he gets special dispensation – but how can they do that when I was banned?
“Trust me; it would be a disaster if he doesn’t have his Pro Licence. After the precedent they set with me, they can’t let it happen.
“Dundalk were fined because of me, so people would ask why they didn’t fine Celtic, so it can’t happen.
“I was banned by UEFA, so right now, if I was in charge of a team in the Europa League, I couldn’t even enter the stadium. That’s how strict they are.
“You can be smart in the league and try and get round it, but in UEFA competition, you can’t do s***.
“If you are trying to get round it, then you have an assistant coach with the Pro Licence who will do all the media, and you are there just to coach.
“But trust me, it’s not ideal, and that’s why I left Dundalk because I lost all control and couldn’t communicate through the media.
“That is why I left the job. I have to be honest with you. I’m not a coach who can watch from the stand. I have to be on the sidelines.
“I thought I could do it, and it wouldn’t matter. I believed I could train all week and prepare the team, and everything would be okay.
“But that is just bull****. You can’t do it. Trust me. You have to be in control.
“I ‘coached’ for Dundalk games against Rapid Vienna away and Arsenal away, and we were sent a 10-page report of everything I was doing.
“They were watching everything, and they took it out on the club and threatened to revoke their UEFA licence.
“Dundalk is a small club; Celtic is a big club. I’m not sure what they would do, but they have set a precedent.
“It’s not just about the money. A fine is a fine. But they will make an example of the coach and ban the club from UEFA competition.”
As the club look to resolve this situation, it could reportedly take weeks which does not help our preparation whatsoever going into next season.
Fingers crossed, this can be resolved as soon as possible, with pre-season just around the corner.
