Ange Postecoglou could be on the cusp of a surprising return to Celtic, a club where he previously enjoyed significant success. This speculation arises after Brendan Rodgers resigned as Celtic’s manager, a decision confirmed by the club in a statement on Tuesday (AEDT).
Rodgers, who was in his second stint with the Scottish giants, departed following a 3-1 defeat to Hearts. The club acknowledged his contributions during his tenure, which included two league titles since his return in 2023. However, the recent loss and his controversial comments comparing his squad to a “Honda Civic” seemed to have precipitated his exit.
Postecoglou’s Potential Comeback
Postecoglou, an Australian manager, is currently seeking a new position after being dismissed by Nottingham Forest following an eight-game stint without a win. Despite this setback, a return to Celtic, where he previously won five titles, including two Scottish Premierships, is reportedly under consideration. According to Football Insider, Postecoglou would “seriously consider” the opportunity if it arose.
His previous comments to Football Scotland in 2023 suggested a reluctance to return to past clubs, stating,
“I feel like whenever I’ve left (a club), I’ve left on the back of success and I like to leave that memory as it is. I just don’t think there’s any real purpose… I wouldn’t see myself going back anywhere I’ve been but who knows?”
Mixed Reactions from the Football Community
The possibility of Postecoglou’s return has sparked debate among fans and pundits. Football writer Ray Gatt expressed skepticism on X, stating,
“Would be wrong move for Ange. You don’t go back. It’s not his team and he won’t be able to instil his style of football given he’s had no pre-season with them. It’d be Nottingham Forest all over again.”
Postecoglou’s career has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. He was previously sacked by Tottenham after leading them to the Europa League title, their first major trophy in 17 years. If he takes up another managerial role mid-season, it would mark his third club in just six months.
Rodgers’ Departure and Celtic’s Future
Rodgers’ resignation has left Celtic in a transitional phase. The club’s majority owner, Dermot Desmond, expressed both appreciation and disappointment in a statement, highlighting Rodgers’ initial success but criticizing his recent conduct. Desmond remarked,
“Regrettably, his words and actions since then have been divisive, misleading, and self-serving. They have contributed to a toxic atmosphere around the club and fuelled hostility towards members of the executive team and the board.”
During this interim period, former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill and former player Shaun Maloney will oversee first-team matters. The search for a permanent manager is underway, with the club promising further updates to supporters.
Looking Ahead
The potential return of Postecoglou to Celtic could signal a new chapter for both the manager and the club. His previous tenure was marked by a domestic treble and a strong rapport with the club’s supporters. However, the decision remains fraught with uncertainty, given his recent experiences and the current state of the team.
As Celtic navigates this managerial transition, the club’s leadership will need to carefully consider their next steps to ensure continued success and stability. Whether Postecoglou or another candidate takes the helm, the next few weeks will be crucial in shaping the club’s future direction.
