“At the same time,there was never any doubt that people were taking notice and I guess after a while,people do just look at[my] record.
“The world’s becoming a smaller place and hopefully this does show,if I happen to be successful,that clubs all around the world will start opening their mind a little bit when they’re seeing talent – whether that’s on or off the football field,they’ll look beyond just traditional markets.”
Postecoglou also pointed out that,paradoxically,he faced the same issues back home,where he railed against a perceived inferiority complex within Australian soccer for many years,and struggled to find a job in the A-League despite having won two NSL titles with South Melbourne until Brisbane Roar famously gave him another chance.
“I’m hoping I get to the point where people don’t look at me as an Australian coach – hopefully not even in Australia because that was as frustrating for me as any other place,” he said.
“My achievements even in my own country weren’t valued because apparently I hadn’t coached in Europe. Hopefully this breaks a few myths and preconceptions about it.
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“I think once you tag somebody with some sort of stigma that because I’m Australian,what I’m doing is unbelievable,I think it works against everything I’ve been trying to advocate – and that is,it shouldn’t matter where you come from.”
Postecoglou declined to directly address reports linking Celtic with a move for Australian stars Mat Ryan and Aaron Mooy,but said he was on the lookout anywhere in the world for any players who would fit into his trademark style of attacking play.
He played a similarly straight bat to questions on the make-up of his backroom team,with Adelaide United assistant coach Ross Aloisi reportedly in the mix to join him in Glasgow.
Postecoglou will meet his full squad for the first time next week,when Celtic holds a training camp in Wales featuring all senior players – including the club’s Scottish representatives,who have been given extra time off after playing in the Euros.
“It’s great being here. They’re passionate about football,I’m passionate about football. Just to be here is fantastic,” Postecoglou said.
“To be fair,I’ve just done training ground-hotel for the last seven days. It’s been pretty busy. I haven’t had much of a chance to get out and about but all the people I’ve come across have been very,very encouraging.
“I’m looking forward to the key part,which is seeing our supporters at Celtic Park,because that’s the one thing people make sure I understand is going to be a special experience.”
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