Ange Postecoglou is not aware of any plans for the Hoops to compete in Japan next summer.
Rumours surfaced during the week that talks had been held for the Celtic squad to make the trip east but nothing appears to be concrete.
Sides such as Yokohama F Marinos and Vissel Kobe were mentioned as potential oppositions due to player and managerial links to both teams.
It could still be a possibility and would make a lot of sense from the clubs perspective to continue to grow the brand, but first Celtic will travel to Australia during the World Cup in what has been dubbed ‘Ange’s homecoming’ tour.
The club has already linked up with Kyogo Furuhashi’s former side Vissel Kobe in a branding partnership meaning that opportunities are already being explored with merchandise available to both sets of fans featuring Kyogo.
As well as Celtic having four Japanese internationals on the books, Postecoglou spent three years with Yokohama F Marinos where he won the league championship.
He remains a very popular figure with Yokohama supporters who Celtic have previously faced in a friendly match before way back in 2006.
“It’s kind of followed me around hasn’t it? Australia, Japan, Greece will be next!” Said Ange Postecoglou speaking to the Scottish Sun.
“That’s not something that’s on my radar at all. I haven’t had any discussions and I wouldn’t be aware of any discussions.
“Our planning at this stage is for what we’re going to do in November because it’s important for us.
“Next pre-season, we haven’t discussed yet.”
This pre-season trip could still possibly take place but it sounds as though the news which broke only days ago was purely speculation by putting two and two together.
