Former Manchester City star Micah Richards insists “it is only a matter of time” before Ange Postecoglou takes over at a top English club.
Richards’ comments come just days after the Celtic boss was sensationally revealed by The Guardian as the mystery man on Chelsea’s shortlist to replace Graham Potter.
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The shortlist also reportedly featued Mauricio Pochettino, Vincent Kompany and Julian Nagelsmann, although the latter has pulled out of the race over concerns with the club’s project.
Pochettino is considered the heavy favourite of that group, but the mere fact Postecoglou was linked with the vacancy sparked Richards’ intrigue, especially given what a former City teammate had to say about the Hoops boss.
“It was interesting to see Ange Postecoglou linked with the Chelsea job,” Richards said in his column for the Daily Mail.
“I spoke to Joe Hart shortly after he joined Celtic in August 2021 and he raved about his new manager, particularly about his character and outlook on life.
“He plays brave football and Joe said nothing flusters him. It is only a matter of time before a club here takes a plunge on him.”
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Postecoglou has gained plenty of admirers for his work at Celtic Park having won consecutive Scottish League Cups and is on the verge of back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles.
The Aussie also could complete the treble this season should he also guide the Hoops to a Scottish FA Cup triumph.
Although many would love to see Postecoglou showcase his managerial skill in the Premier League, Celtic fans and players alike are desperate for the 57-year-old to stick around, including Hoops skipper Callum McGregor.
“His work speaks for itself, the style that he plays, the attacking and amount of goals that we score,” McGregor said.
“That’s going to get the people talking, but I think Ange’s full focus is going to be on the job at hand here, and as long as we can keep him we will be delighted.
“He’s been fantastic, he’s had a really good tenure and we want to keep him.
“His work is outstanding and he’s a really good person.
“That’s the type of people you want to work with and we would be delighted to keep Ange as long as we can.”