Do coaches when they’re first approached by Celtic to be their next manager say to themselves: “How hard can this job be?” Their first inspection of what might lie ahead would tell them that they only require to finish above one other club to be crowned league champions. And that while no-one’s expecting anything extraordinary in Europe it would be much appreciated if they were still there beyond Christmas. That can’t be too difficult, can it?

After all, further discreet inquiry would reveal that Celtic have far greater financial resources than Rangers and so ought to be considered favourites to lift the league title every year. While Celtic can spend four or five million on players of proven international ability and successfully scout outstanding young Europeans like Moussa Dembele, Odsonne Edouard, Virgil van Dijk and Kristoffer Ajer their greatest rivals – operating within much more straitened financial circumstances – must hope that unknown fringe players at unfashionable English clubs come good and do the business.

So, can’t be too onerous, this Celtic job, can it? Richest club in Scotland; only one serious domestic challenger; maybe a wee run in Europe and supporters who are normally loyal and patient to a fault.

The problem for Ange Postecoglou is that while all of this remains true the Celtic job he’s taken on has become hazardous. The odds are stacked against Celtic winning the title this season and, as he’s just discovered, playing European football beyond Christmas is not looking likely.

Their one serious domestic challenger are operating with a coach who has managed to wring every ounce of ability and desire out of his players. Celtic have under-estimated Steven Gerrard and clearly felt that the tenth league title in a row would be a procession. It was deeply unprofessional and displayed a complacency and sense of entitlement by a board of directors whose relationship with the fans is worse than at any time since the last days of the White and Kelly era.

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And while the Celtic support seems prepared to accept that Postecoglu can’t be expected to turn the tide in one term they will be eager to see an immediate improvement from last season’s apocalypse. Unfortunately for him, their renowned stoicism has been frayed by a dysfunctional board of directors who seem barely able to conceal their disdain for them.

Jock Stein once said: “Football without fans is nothing.”

“Yes, but why do they have to be such a pain in the arse,” seems to be the attitude of the Celtic board.

Their refusal to countenance a reasonable request from the Celtic Trust that season-ticket holders be reimbursed properly for the Covid season and an amateurish live match streaming service is lamentable. Actual shares, you say? The very notion.

The absence of any meaningful communication during the long months without a manager or chief executive simply revealed breath-taking contempt. It’s Postecoglu’s misfortune that he arrives at a time when the supporters’ traditional fortitude has almost evaporated.

Yet, so awful were Celtic last season; so humiliated in every department that this could work in Postecoglu’s favour. So reduced are the expectations of the Celtic supporters as a consequence that Postecoglu will be granted that rare thing for a Celtic manager: a year’s grace.

On the evidence of the draw against Midtjylland on Tuesday evening, there has been some improvement. Ryan Christie delivered more in one hour than he did for most of last season. Liel Abada is a quality player, but one who will need to shielded from unreal expectations. Callum McGregor gave notice that he’ll draw strength from the captain’s armband and not be constricted by it. He looks like he was born for this role. The midfield of McGregor, Christie, Turnbull and Soro looks tough and mobile. If Postecoglu can make this unit work he’ll be halfway there.

Postecoglu must also know that the Celtic goalkeeping situation is now so profoundly dire that David W Potter will be able to devote an entire book to it. The coach must make an executive decision on this now. Odsonne Edouard looks simply to be playing out time in a Celtic jersey and, while we’ve all been told that Leigh Griffiths is fitter and has had a punishing training schedule many fans have become deeply uncomfortable about his continued presence in a Celtic team. Serious money on a proven striker must be spent as a declaration of serious intent.

No Celtic supporter I know wants anything other than Anthony Ralston to do well at right-back. He’s still very young; he comes from among our neighbourhoods and his confidence has been eroded by a wretched approach to handling young employees. He played well against Midtjylland but needs to know he’ll be given an extended run in the team. Callum McGregor had a taste of this before blossoming as a player. As captain he might be able to provide some inspiration and support for Ralston.

Postecoglou speaks well about this game and I’ve warmed to his honesty and the uncompromising way he conveys it. His success though, hinges on how much real autonomy he’s been granted by the directors.