Ange Postecoglou. Photo: Getty Images
Ange Postecoglou has a new job in Europe – and his first assignment was to scout Arsenal.
The Australian, who last worked in the Premier League as Nottingham Forest boss five months ago before being sacked after eight games, has joined UEFA’s Technical Observer Panel.
The role entails writing detailed reports on UEFA Champions League matches, with insights on coaching, tactics and playing styles, with access to broadcast feeds, tactical angles and other views to provide “detailed reports on the latest developments in coaching” and “dynamic account of the state of the game”.
He joins a cohort including Gareth Southgate, Rafael Benitez, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, David James, Roberto Martinez, Rui Faria, Steve Cooper, Frank de Boer, Avram Grant, Claude Makelele, Gaizka Mendieta and Roy Hodgson.
Technically, Postecoglou has been on the panel all season, but took the Forest job a week before the list was announced so has not completed a report yet.
This week, he was at San Siro in Italy covering Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Inter Milan. He also is responsible for picking the man of the match, which he awarded to Gabriel Jesus.
A sample of his analysis included praise for the Brazilian striker’s performance: “Jesus’ alertness in the box gave Arsenal a cutting edge to complement their ability to create opportunities from various avenues.
“Both goals were instinctive. The first was from a mis-hit shot that he was able to capitalise on and the second from a rebound off the crossbar.
“Both are a demonstration of a goalscorer’s instincts as, while others are watching, he is anticipating an opportunity to score.”
Jesus’ first half brace and a goal from Viktor Gyokeres sealed the win, which secures Arsenal a top two berth into the knockout rounds, courtesy of their first ever UCL run of seven wins in a row.
Fortunately, he was not assigned to a trip to the Tottenham Stadium, the home of the club he was dismissed from in the off-season despite winning the Europa League.
Spurs extended their unbeaten run at home in Europe to 24 matches – a run Postecoglou had a hand in building – in a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund.
After returning to Melbourne for a period over the summer, Postecoglou is back in Europe. Earlier this week, he was sighted on social media alongside Australian rugby league legend Darren Lockyer at Cherry Red Records Stadium in Wimbledon watching London Broncos against Widnes Vikings.
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