Ange Postecoglou has spoken out about the extensive speculation linking him with Leeds United.
From the minute that Jesse Marsch was sacked the Celtic boss was heavily linked with the Elland Road vacancy, especially since moves for a variety of bosses fell through with caretaker Michael Skubala left in charge for three matches.
At the height of the speculation John Kennedy stepped in to host the regular pre-match media conferences in a move that was apparently planned in advance.
Postecoglou has delivered three trophies out of four plus Champions League football but remains on the same 12 month rolling contract that he signed when he joined from Yokohama F Marinos in June 2021.
Last week Javi Gracia took over from Marsch at Leeds but it would be naive to think that there won’t be another EPL vacancy coming up soon that will see Postecoglou again linked with a move away from Celtic.
After his broadcast media conference at Hampden on Sunday Postecoglou spoke to the daily newspapers for 10.30pm on Monday with the Daily Record reporting:
The former Australian national team boss admits he keeps his eyes and ears open when his name is linked with other clubs – as it has been with Leeds and Everton this season – but stresses Celtic fans need not be worried about that. He added: “You don’t go through life oblivious to it.
“It is not healthy to put the blinkers up and not know what is going on because that tests your desire to keep doing what you’re doing. If people are talking about my future or are interested in my future I will sit there and listen.
“It doesn’t mean I am going to jump at anything that comes my way. I am really passionate about what I do and the people close to me know what is most important to me, what drives me and what keeps me sort of happy in my role.
“I couldn’t be happier but mate, the world of management, I am too old to be kidded on by anybody. Things change very quickly, how many managers last three years in their roles these days?”
Those comments are very emphatic about remaining at Celtic but that isn’t likely to halt the speculation even if it doesn’t reach Leeds United levels.