Ange Postecoglou won his first piece of silverware for Celtic in the Scottish League Cup as his side defeated Hibernian 2-1 on Monday.
After Celtic went without a trophy last season, the pressure was on Postecoglou immediately to deliver and within his first five months, he has done exactly that.
Former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer says Postecoglou has done an outstanding job and has enhanced Australia’s footballing credentials.
“What he has done is remarkable,” Schwarzer said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“It’s an incredible achievement for an Australian coach in Europe.
“Celtic are back … and are genuine contenders to try and get back that title.”
Celtic are historically the strongest team in Scotland but have they lost the title to their bitter rivals in Rangers in recent campaigns.
Postecoglou faced an uphill battle to not just win games and silverware, but to also win back the fans who are among the most passionate in the world.
“When you think about the obstacles that have been laid in front of him,” Schwarzer continued.
“He was being written off from the moment he signed.
“He had a bad start and was knocked out of the Champions League.
“To rebuild and the expectation to immediately have success … he’s done an incredible job.”
Schwarzer noted that Postecoglou has managed to resurrect the career of fellow Australian Tom Rogic.
In 23 appearances for Celtic last season, Rogic scored the lone goal with 4 assists.
In 2021/22, Rogic has slotted three goals and the same number of assists.
“Also, the positive is that Tom Rogic has been fantastic for Celtic so far this season,” Schwarzer said.
“Ange has just been incredible so far.”
The focus for Postecoglou is to now topple Rangers who are six points ahead of Celtic at the top of Scottish Premiership table.
“(Celtic need) to get back that title and the Scottish Premiership away from Rangers again,” he said.
“It’s an exciting season for the Scottish Premiership.”