Ange Postecoglou’s return to Asia came as a shock to many on Friday, as he was named manager of Al-Nassr.
In fairness to the ex-Celtic boss, he has landed one of the most financially lucrative jobs in world football at Al-Nassr, where he has signed a three-year contract to manage Cristiano Ronaldo and co.
He joins fellow ex-Parkhead boss Brendan Rodgers in the Saudi Pro League; the pair will meet when Al-Nassr face Al-Qadsiah.
Whilst Rodgers moved to the Middle East after over 800 games in European management, Postecoglou’s feels different. He undoubtedly has unfinished business in Europe.
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Ange Postecoglou belongs in European football
Brought to Glasgow as a complete unknown in 2021, Postecoglou was written off and ridiculed.
The Parkhead faithful soon got behind him after realising that the gamble could work – and work it did, over the next two enthralling years.
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Very few, if any, other managers could’ve overseen the overhaul – of both playing style and personnel – that Postecoglou did in his first season.
The Celtic team he entered had finished 25 points behind Rangers in a trophyless season. Two years later, he departed after a treble-winning campaign on 99 points.
His subsequent time at Tottenham sold a vision as he amassed best points return in any manager’s first ten games in Premier League history.
As domestic form took a significant downturn in his second season, Postecoglou gambled by promising Spurs a trophy – and despite him delivering on that promise, the club weren’t willing to gamble on a third season.
His next move to Nottingham Forest was a disastrous non-starter of a tenure that lasted just eight games. It was ill-conceived and poorly-timed in equal measure, and Postecoglou himself later acknowledged this.
The whole European journey has come to just four-and-a-bit seasons. Speaking personally as a Celtic fan who loved every minute of his time in Glasgow, it can’t end here.
There’s still time for Ange Postecoglou to solidify his top-level legacy
Of course, the financial weight of the Saudi Pro League has proven too tough to turn down for many in football. If money is his priority, he’s made the right choice.
But Postecoglou’s career has been built on ambition, defying the odds and refusing to compromise. It’s what made his success so compelling.
It’s particularly clear to Celtic fans at the minute that 60 is far from retirement age in football management. Martin O’Neill’s permanent contract at Parkhead could take him beyond his 76th birthday.
Whatever the motivation is behind his move to Saudi, it wouldn’t feel like a fitting end to his career at the top level. He has to give Europe another crack, be that in England or elsewhere.
He is capable of a better legacy at the highest level to be two abrupt sackings at Premier League clubs.
Hopefully the European chapter isn’t over yet.
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