Ange Postecoglou knows Celtic’s straightforward Premiership victory against Hearts at the weekend probably won’t last long in the memory banks. But the Hoops boss is absolutely certain there are encounters on the horizon that will be completely unforgettable.
Postecoglou was pretty satisfied with his side’s stress-free win over the much-changed Jambos that preserved the club’s impressive unbeaten start to their title defence. Celts were never in much danger and while they didn’t quite hit top gear, they didn’t really have to, and it's the promise of more to come that’s got Parkhead punters excited.
But there’s a different level of anticipation around the club this week – and it’s rising up to fever pitch. Postecoglou is used to holding the reins when it comes to folk getting carried away, yet even the big Aussie admits the next few days are something special. The Champions League draw.
The balls in the bowl routine might be like watching paint dry for some of the supporters' sides across the continent who practically get a free pass to the group stages every season. But it will be must-see TV for Celtic fans – and everyone associated with the club.
Postecoglou understands it. He feels it too.
Celtic have been starved of a place at football’s top table for five years but the manager is preparing for a feast. And Thursday's draw in Istanbul is a sweet starter before the memorable main courses arrive.
Postecoglou said: “We’re looking forward to it, it’s exciting. I know that come Thursday we’re going to have all our supporters glued to the TV set in anticipation. It’s where we should be. It’s where this football club needs to be. I have a responsibility to make sure we are there and we are there to make an impact.
“No doubt when we see the draw there are going to be some exciting ties and some memorable occasions for everyone involved in this football club, whether you are a player or staff, manager or supporter. Celtic Park Champions League nights are unforgettable, so I’m looking forward to it.”
No wonder. The great and the good of the game will be sending men in suits to Istanbul on Thursday to sort out the group stages and they’ll catch sight of a few Celtic club ties for the first time in a while.
Postecoglou can’t wait to join the party but he is well aware of what is lying in wait. He said: “They will be good teams, it’s fair to say they will be decent sides.”
That’s something of an understatement. Postecoglou knows Celtic fans will be glued to their seats when watching the draw on Thursday but some might be tempted to hide behind the couch.
It used to be there would be a Group of Death in the Champions League. These days every single section has the potential to be fatal. One peek at the pots and it’s enough to make some fans go looking for one to relieve themselves in.
The upper sections are fairly terrifying. Real Madrid, PSG, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, the usual suspects are top seeds as per. Eintracht Frankfurt get in thanks to their Europa League victory against Rangers and it says it all they might be the weakest of the picks.
The second group of seeds doesn’t look any easier. English big guns Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, then Juventus, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Getting past the two two seeds will take a minor miracle. Finishing third – and banking a Europa League knockout spot beyond Christmas – is harder than ever as well.
Pot three is a minefield. Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, Napoli, Bayer Leverkusen and Marseille? Celtic will need to pull out the stops to clamber above any of that lot. There doesn’t look to be any combination that doesn’t look daunting.
Maybe it’s just as well Postecoglou fancies a crack at any of them. The bigger the name, the more memorable the result if they can pull it off. Porto, RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg looks the best of it – although perhaps the two Red Bull sides in the same group could raise eyebrows if it’s tight going down the straight.
But on the flipside, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Inter would be savage but also one packed with more history than the People’s Palace. Postecoglou will accept however the chips land as rather than seeing danger, he can only see opportunity.
When asked about the Champions League not so long ago, his answer was so emotionally charged Celtic turned the soundbite in to an advert. He said: “With a club of this stature with its history – one of the few with the privilege of lifting the trophy – that’s where we need to be.
“Not just for ourselves, the current group, but for our history, our past players and managers, our supporters, everyone who loves this football club. If you can do something special on that stage – that’s eternal. It will stay with them beyond their playing careers or beyond this football club.
“It’s one of those experiences a lot talk about, but the ones who have actually been involved in it who totally understand the significance. That’s what I am looking forward to.
"As much as people want to describe to you, I know when I’m out there, the Champions League anthem is going with our supporters right behind us, it will be one of those nights that will stay with me forever “It’s unique, and not something that can be passed on with words.”
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