Nearly two years removed from his Celtic departure, Ange Postecoglou finds himself back in familiar territory — facing a Bodo/Glimt side that once handed his early Celtic team a brutal European lesson.
Now into his second season in charge of Tottenham Hotspur, the Australian boss is under mounting pressure. However, their exploration into the Europa League has handed Ange a lifeline in the mire of a horrible domestic campaign. But standing in their way in the semi-final are the Norwegians who dismantled Postecoglou’s Celtic 5-1 on aggregate in the Europa Conference League back in 2022.
“I, obviously, have history with Bodo. We played them when I was at Celtic,” Postecoglou told Beanyman Sports ahead of the tie.
“I scouted them pretty extensively for that game. I remember they beat Roma at home, with Jose [Mourinho], and Jose speaking about how difficult it was playing there, and I followed them closely.
“You have seen their growth. They are very difficult. Got a good talent ID. Players who have moved on and done really well. Very consistent. Same manager, which always helps.
“Then built a real belief in their club. I think they have earned the right to be in the semi-final. It’s not like they have had an easy ride through it. They are a very, very difficult opponent away from home. Absolutely. You just have to look at their record.
“I certainly won’t underestimate them. I know them really well and I know the challenge we have to overcome them.”
Despite being backed by a Premier League budget and squad depth, Postecoglou’s respect for Kjetil Knutsen’s side remains clear. Bodo/Glimt’s run to the last four hasn’t come by chance, and the former Celtic boss knows exactly how tough an opponent they can be when the stakes are high.
There are plenty of Celtic fans out there who would like to see Ange succeed as Spurs boss and land them silverware, a rarity for the North London club. But, there will be more bumps along the way between now and the end of the season.
