IT is fair to say that Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has been an important influence, something of a mentor even, for Ajdin Hrustic during his football career.
Hrustic first encountered Postecoglou when he was aged just 11 and the Greek-born coach made a lasting impression on him.
The Eintracht Frankfurt attacking midfielder was handed his debut for the Australian national team by the same man many years later in 2017.
Now a regular in the Socceroos team and hoping to feature in the World Cup in Qatar later this year, he will be forever grateful for everything that his compatriot has done for him.
Can Postecoglou now help Hrustic to record the biggest win of his life against Rangers in the Europa League final in Seville on Wednesday night?
The 25-year-old will certainly be turning to the man who has led Celtic to a Premier Sports Cup and cinch Premiership double during his debut season in Scotland for advice ahead of the eagerly-anticipated encounter.
“I left Australia when I was quite young,” he said. “But Ange coached me when I was a little boy, coached me at the age of 11.
“I had him with the national team too. For me personally he gave me my debut. It’s something I’ll always remember and keep in my heart. He’s a great manager.
“I first worked with him in something called V Elite, as in Victorian Elite. It was a little programme where the young talents got together and had a chance to show our qualities.
“He was managing and showing us some techniques and drills. We didn’t work only with him, we had a few other coaches there too. But he was one of the few I remember.”
Postecoglou quickly resurrected Celtic’s fortunes after succeeding Neil Lennon as manager last summer and celebrated as they reclaimed the Scottish title last week.
His success, which came after a wretched and trophyless campaign, silenced many sceptics in this country.
But it came as no surprise to his former pupil and player.
“You could see the way he wanted to play football, the way he wanted us to play football,” said Hrustic. “The confidence he gives players is something magnificent.
“It’s small things, details that count on the pitch. I’m sure the drills they do at training are about how they play at Celtic. “He’s proving himself and I’m happy for him. I’m happy for him for doing what he’s doing. He’s a manager I loved working under so I wish him all the best.
“I’ve been following how he’s been getting on. We’ve obviously had Tommy Rogic there as well. I follow the league quite a lot to be honest.”
Hrustic, who was signed by Eintracht from Dutch club Groningen two years ago, helped Frankfurt to beat Barcelona and West Ham and during their unexpected run to the Europa League final this season.
He is confident that Oliver Glasner’s side can prevail against Rangers in the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium tomorrow evening if they can reproduce the form they showed in their quarter-final and semi-final triumphs.
However, he still intends to contact Postecoglou, who was lauded as a hero by adoring Celtic supporters as Callum McGregor was presented with the Premiership trophy at a packed Parkhead on Saturday, to get a few pointers of how to get the better of Rangers.
The former Yokohama F Marinos manager oversaw two victories and one draw in the last three league meetings between the age-old Glasgow adversaries this term to ensure they came from behind to be crowned champions.
“It’s obviously a big game, one of the biggest games for all of us in our careers,” he said. “It’s a good challenge and we will be prepared and ready to go on Wednesday.
“I haven’t been in touch with Ange yet. I’ll have to pick up some information. We’re playing the final so we obviously want to win. Let’s hope we can keep the Aussies on top.”
Big games are coming thick and fast for Hrustic; after the Europa League final he will join up with the Australia squad to prepare for their AFC fourth round match against the United Arab Emirates in Doha next month.
Graham Arnold’s men have to win that match and then an inter-confederation play-off against Peru in Qatar to reach their fifth consecutive World Cup finals.
The Eintracht man is confident the involvement of his friend Rogic, who bade a tearful farewell to Celtic after nine-and-a-half years following the match with Motherwell at the weekend, gives the Socceroos a chance of achieving their objective.
“I’m in contact with Tommy,” he said. “I’ll see Tommy after the Europa League final. We’ll meet in Qatar with the national team.
“I’ve not spoken to him recently, but I’ve heard he’s leaving Celtic and I wish him all the bets. He’s a great person and a great player. I think he’s deserved a new challenge in his career.
“He’s been at Celtic for something like ten years so he’s given everything for the club and I’m happy for him.”
