NafisaAnge Postecoglou is a legend at Celtic and will now be etched in history with Tottenham after their Europa League triumph over Man United.
Postecoglou arrived at Celtic in 2021 and began a journey that transformed Scottish football with a style of play that kept the Parkhead faithful enthralled.
Five major honours in two campaigns, including a record-setting eighth domestic treble, placed Postecoglou’s name alongside Celtic greats as the Australian extended his and the Parkhead club’s remarkable winning tradition.
Now at Tottenham, having delivered the Premier League club’s first piece of silverware in 17 years by defeating Man United in the Europa League, Celtic have paid tribute to Postecoglou with a brilliant message inspired by one of the most memorable moments from the Australian’s era in Paradise.
The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) took to social media to honor their former Celtic manager, echoing his own words from September:
“Ange Postecoglou ALWAYS wins trophies in his second season”
This statement reflects Postecoglou’s consistent track record of delivering silverware in his sophomore campaigns—a pattern he established during his tenure at Celtic.
Kris Boyd won’t be Happy with SPFL’S Praises of Ange Postecoglou:
While the SPFL’s classy tribute to Ange Postecoglou after his Europa League triumph with Tottenham was widely celebrated by Celtic fans, not everyone in Scottish football circles would have taken it so lightly—especially Rangers icon Kris Boyd.
Boyd, a staunch defender of the blue half of Glasgow, has never shied away from criticising the adulation thrown Postecoglou’s way during his time in Scotland. The former striker often voiced his frustrations over what he saw as the media and league fawning over a manager whose success, though undeniable, came at the expense of Rangers’ own ambitions.
To see the league’s official account posting, “Ange Postecoglou ALWAYS wins trophies in his second season”, with a trophy emoji no less, is exactly the kind of narrative Boyd has previously pushed back against.
Not only does it spotlight Postecoglou’s dominance with Celtic, including that treble-winning campaign where he had Rangers playing second fiddle, but it also revives the rivalry wounds that still sting.
From Boyd’s perspective, the SPFL acting almost like a cheerleader for a former Celtic boss—especially on the back of him achieving something monumental outside Scotland—might feel like a step too far. For a governing body that’s meant to represent the interests of all clubs equally, the celebratory tone surrounding a figure who routinely humbled Rangers could be seen as unnecessarily provocative.
One thing’s for sure: if Boyd wasn’t already riled by Postecoglou’s continued rise, the SPFL’s post might just have lit the fire again.
Celtic’s Golden Era Under Postecoglou
When Postecoglou arrived at Celtic in 2021, he faced skepticism and the challenge of rebuilding a team that had lost its dominance. In his first season, he secured the Scottish League Cup and the Premiership title, restoring Celtic’s position at the top of Scottish football.
The following season, he led Celtic to a domestic treble—winning the Premiership, Scottish Cup, and League Cup—cementing his legacy at the club. His success was not just in trophies; he revitalized the team’s playing style and brought in key players who would become fan favorites.
Triumph in Europe with Tottenham
Postecoglou’s move to Tottenham was met with anticipation, and he quickly set about instilling his philosophy. Despite a challenging Premier League season, his focus on European competition paid off. The Europa League final saw Spurs secure a hard-fought victory over Manchester United, with Brennan Johnson scoring the decisive goal.
This victory not only brought silverware to Tottenham but also secured their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League, providing a platform for further success.
Postecoglou’s approach to management emphasizes building a strong foundation in the first season, followed by tangible success in the second. He has consistently applied this philosophy throughout his career, achieving second-season triumphs at various clubs, including Celtic and now Tottenham.
His ability to adapt, motivate, and implement a clear vision has earned him respect across the footballing world. The SPFL’s acknowledgment of his success underscores the impact he had during his time in Scotland and the high regard in which he is held.
With a Europa League title under his belt and Champions League football on the horizon, Postecoglou’s journey with Tottenham is poised for further achievements. His track record suggests that this could be just the beginning of a new era of success for Spurs.
As the footballing community reflects on his accomplishments, one thing is clear: Ange Postecoglou’s second-season magic continues to shine, bringing glory to the clubs he leads and delight to their supporters.
Nafisa
