Ange Postecoglou says the reception he got from the Celtic fans before their Champions League qualifier against Midtjylland reminded him of why he "loves the game."
The Hoops boss spoke of "so many disruptions" in pre-season and claimed the Parkhead club had "hesitated" in the transfer market in the lead-up to the first leg tie against the Danish outfit.
However, those frustrations were washed away on Tuesday night when 9,000 Hoops fans - the biggest crowd inside the stadium since coronavirus restrictions were introduced in March, 2020 - gave him a huge cheer when he was introduced before the 1-1 draw.
After the match, the former Socceroos coach dismissed questions about the financial implications of exiting the Champions League to concentrate on the feeling he got from supporters on his first competitive match as Celtic manager.
"It was brilliant. It was a special night for me because to walk out the tunnel as Celtic manager in a Champions League game, the response from the fans was very special," he said.
"I guess that's why I love the game.
"You talk about finances - it's the last thing on my mind when you get a response like that from people who love this football club, that's what motivates me.
"I'm not an accountant. I'm a football manager. When people start talking to me about finances they miss the essence of what I'm about.
"I'm not interested. I want to win games, I want to win trophies, I want to bring special nights to here. The finances are for other people."
It was quite a start for Postecoglou.
Australian Associated Press
