Ange Postecoglou to face Brendan Rodgers in Saudi as ex-Celtic boss named Al-Nassr manager

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Ange Postecoglou has been named as the new manager of Al-Nassr.

The ex-Celtic boss, who has been out of work since being sacked by Nottingham Forest in October, has made his return to Asian football, five years after leaving Japan for Glasgow.

He will now manage Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East, having replaced Jorge Jesus after the club won the Saudi Pro League title last season.

Also among their players are Joao Felix, Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman.

👀 Where do you stand on the Ange vs Brendan debate? Scott Bain has had his say…

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Ange Postecoglou signs two-year contract as Al-Nassr manager

The Saudi Pro League club confirmed the news on Friday.

Last week, Postecoglou had been linked with the Scotland vacancy, following the unexpected departure of Steve Clarke.

READ MORE: Three ideal Celtic targets in the World Cup knockout stages

The 60-year-old looks set to face Brendan Rodgers in the league next season, with the fellow ex-Parkhead boss having made a fantastic impact with Al-Qadsiah.

Speaking to the Overlap last year, Postecoglou said of his next destination: “In terms of going back [to Celtic], I don’t go back. I don’t think that’s been my career.

“Whatever the next step is, it’ll be something new. Something I can make an impact in. Somewhere I can win things.”

He went on to say: “I loved Celtic, mate. If I was younger, I would’ve stayed there longer.

“I probably would’ve stayed there for three-four years. I think I could’ve made progress with them in Europe.

“But at the time, it had taken me a long time to get to this space – you know, the opportunity to join Tottenham was too good.

“But it doesn’t diminish the affection I had. It was a great experience, for two years, to be within a community that’s just so passionate… I mean, it’s crazy how passionate they are about their football club.

“Obviously, I was fortunate that we had success, so it’s a positive experience – but I loved every minute of it.

“I look back on it fondly, but I think it’s important with all these things that it’s one thing – I made a dumb decision when I joined Forest – but I won’t go back. I don’t think that’s how my career’s gone.”