Ange Postecoglou’s blunt description of his latest setback reveals more than frustration, it confirms the resilience forged during his successful time at Celtic, and his treatment from Nottingham Forest showed his Celtic class.
Ange Postecoglou managed Celtic from 2021 to 2023 in an environment where immediate success was demanded after the complete failure of the COVID season.
There was no adjustment period afforded to him, and every decision carried weight as Celtic sought a return to dominance. And the success he brought made him an instant fan favourite.
And as Ange opens up on his ‘brutal’ sacking from Forest, he still showed his real class as he describes the mayhem that unfolded as the former Celtic boss left The City Ground.
Postecoglou’s treatment of Forest fans mirrored Celtic
Postecoglou told SEN, “I haven’t told the story, but it was brutal, man. I mean, I literally got sacked straight after the game.
“I knew it was coming. So again, it was one of those, it will come in a day now, but they literally sacked me straight after the game. And then, you know, I haven’t done the press yet, but the press already know.
“I’m walking out into the corridor. I just wanted to leave because I was gonna do something I regret. And I hadn’t spoken to the assistant coaches who I knew also were probably going to be sacked.
“I needed to say something to them, but I’m doing this while walking through throes of press and people who are just all looking at me, and then I just want to get out there.
MORE CELTIC STORIES
“After half an hour, [the security staff told me] the roads are open. I got stuck at traffic lights for at least 15 minutes. Chelsea supporters are giving it to me, Forest supporters are not much kinder.
“I’m sitting in the car, lame duck right, and in between I’ve got little kids coming up asking for a selfie. So, what do you do? I don’t want to disappoint.
“So I’ve paid for penance, I’ve paid a heavy price for it.”
Celtic experience explains Ange’s reaction today
That response shows how Ange is still grounded and how he still has the same affinity with football supporters just like he did at Celtic.
It’s clear he was loved at Forest despite the disappointment of the results Postecoglou suffered, and the fact he still posed for photos with fans at such a high-profile and stressful time shows the class of the man.
And as Ange remains free, could a return to Celtic be on the cards? There are not many fans who would say no to that.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox