Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has stressed the upcoming Sydney Super Cup won't be like the usual preseason games Australian football fans are served up.
With the Sydney Super Cup to be played in November as club football pauses for the World Cup, Celtic will take on Sydney FC and Everton right in the middle of their season.
Unlike most clubs that come to Australia looking to shake off preseason cobwebs, Postecoglou's side will be raring to go and he's expecting two high-quality matches in Sydney.
"I think both games will be good. We’ve had overseas clubs come to Australia before and I’ve been to a lot of those games. It’s usually in preseason - these will be different games," Postecoglou told The Sporting News.
"We’ll literally come off playing that weekend, Everton would have played in the Premier League. We’ll be in the middle of our season, players should be in good condition and I think it will be a high-tempo game.
"Both teams will be playing more like they usually would which will make for some good games.
"They won’t be like normal preseason games, I think they’ll have a bit more of an edge."
After winning two trophies in his first season with Celtic, Postecoglou has quickly won over the club's fans.
Hoops supporters have in fact already writtens songs about the Aussie and he's savouring the chance to connect with such a strong fan base.
"For me growing up in Australia I’ve sort of craved being amongst people who are as passionate about me as football," Postecoglou said.
"We’ve tried to go about our normal lives but we understand there’s going to be interaction.
"That’s part of my responsibility, I represent the football club that they love and if they come across me I want to make sure they walk away with a favourable impression because it’s not just about me it’s about who I represent."
While Celtic's match against Everton headlines the Sydney Super Cup, the Hoops will kickoff the tournament against Sydney FC and Postecoglou won't be taking any fixture involving A-League Men opposition lightly.
"They’re always competitive. Whenever you see an A-League club play an overseas club it’s always a good game, always a competitive game," he said.
"I think they enjoy it. When I was involved at Brisbane we played against Everton, with Victory we played Liverpool at the MCG in front of 100,000 and I know the players really enjoyed that challenge."
Tickets for the inaugural Sydney Super Cup are still available and can be purchased here.
