Former Celtic coach see shades of Arsene Wenger in Ange Postecoglou

Alan Thompson has come up with a surprise comparison for Ange Postecoglou in the management stakes. 

Last summer the Australian was presented with the biggest rebuild job since Martin O’Neill in 2000- and like the Irishman a 20 plus points difference has been wiped out. 

Rather than bring in an entourage Postecoglou has trusted his own judgement and the backroom team that he inherited although agent Frank Trimboli at CAA Base has played a key role in recruitment. 

Modern management rarely relies on just one figure to shape every aspect of a club but the impact of the man from Yokohoma Marinos has reminded Thompson of another surprise import from the J-League back in the mid-nineties. 

Explaining his thinking to the Daily Record the former Celtic assistant manager said: 

People ask me to compare Ange to Martin O’Neill and I suppose there are similarities because he also came in at a time when Rangers seemed well ahead. And I’d love to see him following in Martin’s footsteps and win the Treble at the first attempt – I wouldn’t rule it out. 

But Ange reminds me more of Arsene Wenger and not just because of his background in Japanese football. It’s the way he’s stamped his identity on the team and the whole culture of the club in double-quick time. 

And you can’t fail to be impressed with his recruitment programme. Hatate and Kyogo in particular have really caught my eye. 

Over 18 years in charge of Arsenal Wenger transformed every aspect of the club including moving along the road from Highbury to the Emirates. Given 18 years at Celtic Postecoglou could have a similar impact although a change of stadium can be ruled out.