Ange Postecoglou’s class message to former Celtic coach Harry Kewell ahead of historic fixture

Tottenham Hotspur Ange Postecoglou doesn’t forget where he’s worked or who he’s worked with and this weekend he’ll be cheering on former Celtic coach Harry Kewell.

Kewell is taking charge of Yokohama F.Marinos in the Asian Champions League Final on Saturday, something that even Postecoglou didn’t manage to do in his time at the club.

The Japanese outfit face Al Ain in the first leg at home after successfully coming through knockout rounds against Thailand’s Bangkok United, China’s Shandong Taishan and Ulsan Hyundai of South Korea.

Postecoglou helped rejuvenate Kewell’s coaching career after appointing him to his staff for Celtic’s incredible treble-winning 2022/23 season and the former Socceroos star is now on the brink of an historic achievement as a manager in his own right.

Despite Spurs playing on Saturday at 3pm, with the match in Japan starting at 11am UK time, Postecoglou won’t be missing the occasion on television and wants Kewell to be one of several who follow in his footsteps in Europe.

Ange is backing former Bhoy Kewell

Speaking to former Middlesbrough and Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer on Optus Sport, Postecoglou said: “I’ll be watching, mate. I follow all the guys. I follow Harry, Peter Cklamovski at FC Tokyo, Kevin Muscat at Shanghai. Whatever time they’re on, I’ll have it on for sure.

“It’s a great thrill for me to see these guys. I really hope they all eventually find their way across here to make an impact.

“I really think the same way that you guys were the frontier of showing we, as Australians and Sportsmen have something, I believe we have something as coaches and managers too – whether that’s as senior coaches or assistant coaches. Yeah, I’m following the boys closely.”

With all the focus on the final, Marinos haven’t actually won a game in three attempts since their penalties victory in the semi-final, so it’s going to be a tough two-legged tie for Kewell and company.

It would be fantastic to see him break new ground and I’m sure if they get their hands on the silverware big coaching opportunities back in Europe, per Ange’s wishes, won’t be too far away.

The best of luck to Harry on his big games!