Celtic fans hoping for glimpses of a bright new future were left disappointed as they watched what has been billed as Ange Postecoglou’s farewell to Yokohama Marinos.
Fourth Division Honda spoiled the script with a penalty shoot-out win away to Marinos after a 2-2 draw.
When the Honda goalkeeper Yuki Kusomotostepped up to open the scoring from the penalty spot in the 28th minute the signs were ominous for Yokohama’s Australian boss.
Eber equalised for Yokohama midway through the second half but there was no further scoring in the 90 minutes. Leo looked to be putting Marinos through when he scored in the 102nd minute but Honda equalised four minutes later through Yuki Okazaki to take the tie to a shoot-out which they won 4-3.
Over the last few days speculation has intensified that Postecoglou was bound for Celtic with today’s match the chance for him to sign off on a winning note.
The next 24 hours should decide whether or not Celtic have ended their 105 day search for a new manager but wary of the Eddie Howe experience no one at the club will be rushing to comment before all contracts are signed and sealed.
?? | Ange Postecoglou
Incoming Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou’s last match as boss of Yokohama F. Marinos ends in disaster.
The J League title contenders have been knocked out of the Emperor’s Cup at home to fourth tier side Honda FC via a penalty shootout in the 2nd round. pic.twitter.com/DbmTCcNJXg
— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) June 9, 2021
Hope we kept the receipt.
— Paul J. Laverty (@pauljlaverty) June 9, 2021
Ange Postecoglou’s side went on to lose the tie on penalty kicks after failing to beat the fourth tier part-timers over 120 minutes. If reports are correct he will be shortly boarding a plane to Glasgow via Athens. May God help us.
— Aidan Kerr (@AFK103) June 9, 2021
There’s yer Ange Postecoglou been put out the cup by a 4th Division side. This appointment screams ambition from the board ?
— Chris Devenny (@chrisdevenny) June 9, 2021
Ange Postecoglou on his way to @CelticFC after being beaten by FC Honda on penalties. Defensively inept, standard poor. You are taking the risk of your career @dom_mckay1
— Danny Boyle (@deejaypb) June 9, 2021
If that is his last match, then what a pathetic way for Postecoglou to sign off as Marinos head coach.
An almost full-strength Marinos lose 5-4 on penalties to 4th-tier side Honda FC, who maintain their status as occasional giant-killers…
— Azri Firman (Hopes Everything Is Going To Be Ok) (@MrAzriFirman) June 9, 2021
Ange Postecoglou’s final game in Japan is a cup loss – this is one of the goals the opposition scored, a penalty taken by their keeper. https://t.co/l7YiSMunEP
— Fergus (@fergusboden) June 9, 2021
There’s Ange Postecoglou away https://t.co/xuMZgAAG06
— Glasgow is Green Podcast??? (@gigpod) June 9, 2021
#Postecoglou worst result in Yokohama’s history welcome to Glasgow #embarrassment
— J.P.Mullen-Indyref2 (@Buzzbomb11) June 9, 2021
Also no offence to Postecoglou for reason mentioned above but I couldn’t imagine how bad the Japanese 4th tier is
— Maca88 (@Maca886) June 9, 2021
