Two years on and Chris Sutton is still learning about Ange Postecoglou.
In the summer of 2021 the new Celtic boss walked into a disaster zone, inheriting a shell of a squad that had been left demoralised by the biggest collapse in Scottish football history. From a quadruple treble to finishing 25 points off the pace in a two horse race.
Without even bringing in some backroom staff Postecoglou imposed his ideas on Celtic, found a couple of players that he could work with then started a rebuild on the proceeds of selling Kris Ajer and Odsonne Edouard.
Demonstrating faith in his own judgement the new boss turned to Japan to refresh his squad and find quality.
Tomorrow will be Postecoglou’s 70th league match in charge of Celtic, with 15 wins from 15 home matches this season the hoops are strong favourites to extend that run with all of the credit focussed on the manager.
Sutton has watched it close up, the sore nights in Europe alongside the domestic highs and told Australian site KEEPUP:
The consistency levels they have shown, the brand of football, they’re good on the eye. He ticks virtually every box. The words he uses, the catchphrase ‘we never stop’ and the world relentless comes up time and time again.
Having played, I think what the team have done this season and last season has been pretty remarkable. Last season in terms of the quick changearound, the managerial change around, all these players coming in. He clearly earmarks these players, knows how they will fit.
The biggest thing, he is just extremely bullish. He believes in what he believes in. He believes it’s going to work and you know what? If you look back at his 25-year coaching career, it’s hard to actually disagree with him.
Essentially he’s been a high-class performer and hugely successful and why should he change? It’s maybe other people that need to change.
Despite regular speculation that EPL clubs are looking at Postecoglou he remains on the same 12 month rolling contract that he signed when he joined Celtic in June 2021.