That’s how Ange Postecoglou describes the perception of him when he arrived at Celtic two years ago. But who’s laughing now?
The Hoops boss delivered a world record eight Treble for the club at Hampden yesterday by seeing off Inverness Caley Thistle in the Scottish Cup Final. And irrespective of whether he’ll still be at Parkhead or in London with Spurs - no-one can say he hasn’t left an imprint on the club.
Before skipper Callum McGregor lifted the trophy, 45,000 Celtic fans sang Postecoglou’s name in unison. They’ve forged a bond with the Australian and don’t want to see it broken. Postecoglou savoured that moment in front of the supporters. Because he knows that when he turned up in Glasgow as second choice to Eddie Howe from the Japanese J-League, there were sceptics everywhere.
He feels the only people who didn’t immediately write him off were the Celtic fans. And he says the faith they showed in him will never be forgotten.
After securing more silverware at Hampden, Postecoglou refused to be drawn on his future with Spurs talks planned this week. Whether it’s a goodbye or not, he hailed the Celtic support who have taken him to their hearts.
He said: “I have appreciated the support I’ve had from day one. Because of the way I came into the football club.
“Without beating about the bush I was a joke. A lot of people made fun of me. But the supporters, for their own reasons, put their collective arm around me and said: ‘No, he’s one of ours’.
“It was up to me to repay that faith. The reason they feel so close to this team and so close to me is because, while others may have mocked, they stood behind me.
“I think they deserve a lot of credit for what has happened because it would have been easy for our supporters to have been just as sceptical, given the reaction to my appointment.
“That would have made my job a lot tougher, especially in that early period when results weren’t there. I think they feel part of my journey here.
“They deserve to feel good about the fact that, while a lot of people ridiculed it, they stood by the person who was representing their football club. That’s what makes them special as supporters.
“For me, I have tried to repay that in my own way by hopefully producing a team that has brought success and one they are going to be proud of. That has always been the most important thing.”
Postecoglou joins an elite list of Celtic gaffers to win a Treble, emulating Jock Stein, Martin O’Neill, Brendan Rodgers and Neil Lennon. He was emotional after yesterday’s victory as he tried to process what he’s achieved in a short space of time at Parkhead.
He said: “I take enormous pride to get my own little piece of history. When you join this club you understand that it’s a great opportunity but there’s also great responsibility.
“There are certain levels of performance and success you have to deliver. You take that on board so to do something few people have done is pretty special.
“Everything I’ve achieved in my career is special in its own way but this is one I’m extremely proud of. You know what it does for people. That is the greatest reward you get.
“As much as you get personal satisfaction - to see how it affects others gives you the greatest joy. The supporters, the players, the staff, my family, just seeing what days like today does for them and how it makes them feel, that is the beautiful part.
“That gives you great pride. Ultimately, everyone is out there with a common purpose to try and be a part of something special.”
Postecoglou wasn’t the only individual making history. Captain McGregor wrote his name into Celtic folklore by becoming the first player in the world to have FIVE Trebles to his name.
And his manager insists he’s now one of the club’s all-time greats. He said: “It’s mind blowing just to think about it (McGregor’s achievement).
“People can get complacent and think they (Trebles) are the norm. They’re not, they’re an exception.
“Whilst it’s five in a short space of time, when you think about the history of the football club it’s not that common. Callum has been outstanding. He’s an outstanding leader, he’s grown into the role, he’s a fantastic footballer and human being.
“It’s a credit to him and his family that, with many more years to go in his career, he already stands as one of the giants of this football club.
“It’s been great to watch him grow as a person and as a leader in that dressing room.
“He’s got some good lieutenants in there as well, but no-one deserves it more than Callum.”
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