Ange Postecoglou is returning to Australia, with his Celtic travelling Down Under in November for a new four-team Sydney Super Cup, featuring bitter rivals Rangers and Isuzu UTE A-League clubs Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers.
The inaugural Sydney Super Cup, which will also take place in 2025, will kick-off on November 16 during the break in domestic football due to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
A-Leagues teams Sydney and the Wanderers are also set to participate in the competition as former Socceroos boss Postecoglou and his high-flying Celtic side prepare to go head-to-head with Rangers in the first Glasgow derby outside of Scotland in the 134-year history of the iconic fixture.
“I haven’t been home for almost three years by the time this comes around so I’m super-excited,” said Postecoglou, whose Celtic are three points clear of defending champions Rangers atop the table.
“The club’s obviously been down there a couple of times before and I know just how passionate the Celtic fans are about the football club, so we’re looking forward to it.”
Postecoglou transformed Australian football during his time in the A-Leagues, guiding Brisbane Roar to back-to-back championships in 2011 and 2012.
The 56-year-old also coached Melbourne Victory before taking charge of the Socceroos in 2013.
“There’s no doubt it will be special. I know how big this football club is back home and for me to go back as the manager of it, it will be emotional,” he said.
“There’s a lot of guys who I grew up with or shared a dressing room with who are die-hard Celtic supporters and they are going to see their mate bringing their team Down Under.
“For the whole football community that I grew up in, they will all take great pride out of somebody who came through their ranks bringing home such a massive football club.”
As Celtic prepare to travel to Australia once more, Postecoglou added: “People are not that aware of the global reach of this football club.
“If you talk about big football clubs in Australia, Celtic is up there in terms of recognition. “It’s not the overriding sport in the country, but if you talk to a football lover or even a sport lover in Australia, Celtic is at the forefront of the clubs that they know…
“I know this will be super well-received and I know it will help continue growing this club’s legacy on that side of the world.”
