Ange Postecoglou talked about savouring the moment of the milestone achievement they had just reached. But Celtic fans, while lapping up their day in the sun, couldn’t help but wonder about what the future holds rather than purely focusing on the here and now.
Postecoglou said from this point of view it would have been selfish to those closest to him – family and staff who had helped him on his incredible journey of success at Parkhead – to think about anything else. However, supporters are a little different. They wanted to know what the 57-year-old’s immediate plans are and whether he will be heading to Tottenham Hotspur next season.
But the Aussie was giving nothing away in his post match interviews, talking only of the past rather than the future (other than the fact he would be enjoying a few celebratory drinks at night). So all that did was leave the Hoops legions playing a guessing game and they went hunting for clues throughout a glorious afternoon as to whether Postecoglou will be at the helm next season. Here, Record Sport looks at four key observations that point to him being in north London rather than the east end of Glasgow next season.
Hugs
You didn’t have to be eagle-eyed to notice that the warm embrace between the Celtic boss and his substitutes seemed to last a little longer than usual. And the fact wasn’t lost on supporters as it gave them the fear that he will be heading for pastures new. Kyogo and Jota were two in particular who have been on this journey with him pretty much from the outset and, while it can be dangerous to read too much into such things, it looked to all intent and purposes to be a farewell.
Message from the manager
Many of the supporters would have been non compos mentis after a day in the sun and no doubt a few pints of amber nectar to cool them down and some celebration bubbly afterwards. But when Celtic posted a ‘message from the manager’ on their official media outlets late last night then it would no doubt have straightened a few up.
But if they were hoping for confirmation of his long term future at Parkhead then they were left disappointed. As they sifted through all 416 words it was nice stuff but unfortunately only referred to the season just past and there was absolutely no reference to the next campaign, other than the fact they had secured Champions League group stage football again for 2023/24 thanks to this season’s success.
Holiday departure date
Now, it could simply be that it was the only flights available from Glasgow – or maybe London? – for their desired summer holiday destination. But the fact Postecoglou specifically said he would be going on holiday on Tuesday during his post match interview with Viaplay when it’s been reported that he will hold talks with Daniel Levy on Monday could be a telling sign.
Body language
We’re all experts when it comes to this but as the 57-year-old made his way around the pitch at full time, soaking up the celebrations, it did look like a man who was savouring it all for one last time. As You’ll Never Walk Alone blared over the Hampden tannoy he was staring towards the fans.
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