Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou thrilled to return to venue of the Socceroos’ Asian Cup triumph

Having won the 2015 Asian Cup at Accor Stadium as Socceroos coach, Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou is chasing further success at the venue against Everton.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou calls the shots during his side’s training session at Accor Stadium. Picture: Bill Murray/SNS Group via Getty Images

More than seven years after guiding the Socceroos to Asian Cup glory at Homebush, Ange Postecoglou hopes to make a triumphant return to Accor Stadium on Sunday with a Celtic team chasing Sydney Super Cup redemption.

Having suffered a shock 2-1 loss to Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium last Thursday night, Celtic is desperate to make amends by English Premier League club Everton in the Cup’s feature match.

“We were disappointed with the other night just because we didn’t reach our levels,” Hoops manager Postecoglou told Celtic TV.

“It was quite obvious the boys were off it a little bit and you’ve got to take into account the travel and everything within that, but the good thing is they were disappointed in themselves, and it’s not me driving it.

“We just want to put on a good performance (on Sunday).”

A performance to match the heroics of the Socceroos in their 2-1 Asian Cup final win over South Korea in January 2015 at the same venue would thrill Postecoglou.

Ange Postecoglou directs proceedings at a Celtic training session at Accor Stadium. Picture: Bill Murray/SNS Group via Getty Images

“It seems a while ago now, but it was a special time. It was the first major trophy we’d won for the (national) men’s team, and it was a really proud moment for us,” the ex-Socceroos coach said.

“I had some decent memories here (at Accor Stadium), especially with the national team. The big games we played here, most of them we came out on top.

“It’s an iconic stadium, it was built for the Olympics, and it’s great to be back here.”

Postecoglou was also excited by the challenge of playing Premier League opposition.

“I’m sure they’ll be up for it,” he said of Frank Lampard’s Toffees, who are struggling in 17th spot on the ladder.

“Hopefully it’s a good game for everyone.”

Former England international Lampard, whose struggles at Everton have led to Postecoglou being linked with this job, wants to reward his fans with an impressive display and hopes for an intense battle that makes a mockery of its “friendly” status.

“From our point of view when you put on an Everton shirt. you have represent it, you have to put on a show for the fans that are travelling to watch you play over here, fans that watch us in the middle of the night over here, waking up at crazy times, and the fans at home that are waiting to see how you get on,” Lampard said.

“I’d expect that the players, even if there are not three points on offer, to play all out, and I expect that from both teams.”