Chris Sutton reckons Celtic will be able to hold onto Ange Postecoglou because of Premier League snobbery and the Australian’s desire to perform in the Champions League.
Postecoglou has been in the conversation for the vacant Leeds United job. Sutton reckons that’s not big enough for him – but counters that by saying NONE of the big clubs would come for him because of where he is working right now.
It’s a paradox that could work in Celtic’s favour – as long as he gets the backing he needs to make an impact in Europe. Sutton told the Daily Record: “Unless it were a really top job south of the border that became available, the Aussie would not be interested.
"And, when I think of how the very top clubs in England would go about potentially filling posts in the modern game, I harbour lingering doubts about them looking towards Glasgow.
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“Let me make an example. If Jurgen Klopp were to leave his post at Anfield tomorrow, would the owners of Liverpool look to Scotland for an Australian who is the manager of Celtic? Or would they prefer to go down the perceived glamour route? For a Mauricio Pochettino type, for instance?
"I know it has happened in the past. Graeme Souness went straight from Rangers to Liverpool, but that was three decades ago. I feel mindsets have changed more recently. You could argue, correctly, there’s been a slight reversal with recent appointments. Graham Potter would not have been a huge name in European terms when he got the gig at Chelsea. Same, you could say, for Mikel Arteta going in at Arsenal.
"It’s clear that club hierarchy are maybe scratching a little more under surfaces nowadays. The times of just a big name manager or a past player like a Frank Lampard or a Steven Gerrard aren’t just as prevalent.
"Nonetheless, I’d still have doubts. Of course, the majority of the smaller clubs in England’s top-flight would be interested. But would Postecoglou be interested in them? Would he really want to swap Celtic for a Wolves or a Brentford? Can’t see it myself. Leeds are big, but not as big as his current club.
“It’s making a mark in Europe which holds the real appeal. Postecoglou has said himself how much he wants that. He’s cited models of clubs from smaller nations making an impact amongst the elite and spoken openly about the transfer model which can help Celtic to make it happen.
"But what if it doesn’t? Brendan Rodgers couldn’t stop winning trophies at Celtic and enjoyed accolades over his team’s group stage efforts in the Champions League when they first got into it. However, the next year, with no further progress, the plaudits dried up. The enormity of what it takes to make that impact hit home to him."
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