Shaun Maloney has given an unusual insight into Celtic coaching team behind Ange Postecoglou.Â
Last season many fans were screaming for a complete clear out after Neil Lennon stepped down with John Kennedy stepping in as caretaker with Stephen McManus stepping up to take a first team role.Â
When Postecoglou was appointed as manager there was an expectation that he would bring in at least one new coach but six months down the line the former Yokohama Marinos boss seems more interested in bringing in J-League players that old acquaintances from his previous jobs.Â
Maloney spent a year coaching the reserve and youth squads at Celtic when Brendan Rodgers was in charge and remains in contact with a number of people behind the scenes.Â
On Monday night he’ll be planning Celtic’s downfall, explaining to The Scotsman the roles of two key men working with Postecoglou:Â
Some of Celtic’s performances have been very, very impressive. They are going to try and press us very high. They have their own style in possession that hasn’t changed for anyone.Â
I know Ange’s coaching staff and Gavin Strachan very much concentrates on the set plays and John Kennedy writes and delivers all the sessions. I respect them fully, but I’m preparing my team as best I can to go and win the match.Â
The precise roles of Strachan and Kennedy has been speculated on at length, rarely in positive terms but it seems that the mysteries have now been cleared up.
Maloney has brought in former Wigan and Partick Thistle boss Gary Caldwell as his assistant.Â
I don’t think people will be there cause of loyalty even though is important angi is happy with them Rogers try to take Kennedy with him and he would have doubled his wage John Kennedy has been praised by evey manager he has assisted and shown nothing but loyalty always professional so I can’t understand why you and other fans have got it in for him and Strachan who seemed to have respect from players and most fans
Any time he getsinterveiwed never let’s commentator get the better if him always controlled never see him losing it on touchline like a few I could mention wee friendly ally shows his true colours when his mask drops John has never let celtic down by losing control
One of the reasons that speculation has been rarely positive is that it does not require evidence. People just assert an opinion without any inside information or observation of the coaches abilities. Shaun Maloney has worked with them andd knows their worth.
All that was known last season was that the team messed up under Neil Lennon and that Kennedy & Strachan were part of that so they must be at fault too. There was no other reasoning than that. Of course JK was also in charge for a short period but was unable to raise a performance level with a fractured squad with nothing left to play for and an interim manager.
Ange Postecoglou got the same amount of uninformed speculation when he was appointed. There should be a few more red faces around.
Brilliant post SFTB. Nothing to add.
Absolutely futile in asking old pals an opinion on old pals…It is nauseating and embarrassing…I gauge Kennedy by his coaching which to be honest is awful and he wouldn’t last two minutes on his own management.
Well said Eddie