It has certainly been a rollercoaster journey during the first 49 games of Ange Postecoglou’s tenure as Celtic boss, as the 56-year old gets set to reach the milestone of 50 games this weekend.
From entertaining on the field, with his attacking footballing philosophy being displayed by his players, to doing the same off the field in entertaining the Celtic support, thanks to his witty and quick responses to those within the media.
Despite the enjoyment and delight of his first season in charge so far, it has been a long old season for the Bhoys and Postecoglou, who have played within six different competitions.
Even though Ange might not have known he was hitting this landmark, which has seen him surpass the likes of Tony Mowbray and Lou Macari, the Celtic boss admitted it has felt like 50 games, producing another brilliant quote to the media.
Postecoglou also opened up on planning for the future as manager of the Parkhead side, as he hit out at those who did not believe he would make it this far in his time as Celtic manager.
“You are kidding me? I wasn’t aware, but it doesn’t surprise me. It feels like 50,” he said, as quoted by the Scotsman.
“The fact we have played 50 games already probably sums up the season it’s been so far. It’s been full-on but immensely enjoyable.
I am glad I got to 50; there were probably a few people who didn’t think I would! I am pleased to be there. I am more than aware of my perilous existence…Or that of every other manager.
“It’s not something I look at too closely. What is more important is, what have you done in those 50 games? That is more important to me than just hitting the 50-mark. Have we made progress as a team and a club in the way I want? Are we in better shape than we were?
“If we are ticking these boxes, then it’s a great milestone to reach. Hopefully, I can get to 100 and say the same things – that we have progressed, are playing better football and getting success. I don’t take it for granted.
“Just look at the Premiership this year and a number of clubs changing managers. We are not going to be here forever, but I don’t just use years as a marker. What we have done is more important. We are going okay after 50 games, so I am happy.
“Everything I do, I assume I will be here for the next ten years. The reality is I probably won’t be. But every decision I make and everything I do is for the long term. That is how I have always approached my career.
“I don’t worry about how long I am going to stay or lengths of contracts; I make decisions that I think will set the club up in the best possible shape for years to come. I have never been one to choose the short-term approach and change my way of doing things.
“But I do know that, at this football club, we had to have success this year. That was clear in my mind. Being successful is still our main aim, but it was also about building a side for the medium to long term. That’s how I always work.”
The Celtic support has been left delighted by the rapid progress that the Hoops have made under Postecoglou, with excitement also building for what Ange might be able to build in the future at Parkhead.
In the short-term, though, fans will also be hoping that in his 50th game in charge of the club, Postecoglou can end a terrible run of results at the Tony Macaroni Arena, which has seen the club go without a win on their travels there since their return to the top flight.
