Ange Postecoglou sent on Arsenal scouting mission after taking new football job

Ange Postecoglou may no longer be in a dugout, but he’s still observing games as intently as ever.

The Australian completed his first job as a member of UEFA’s Technical Observer Panel on Tuesday as he analysed Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Inter Milan at the San Siro.

AFP

A first-half brace from Gabriel Jesus and a late Viktor Gyokeres strike wrapped up an important three points for the Gunners in Champions League action.

The victory was Arsenal‘s seventh on the bounce in Europe this season, a feat they had never previously achieved, which has ensured a top-two finish in the league phase.

Although it was a collective effort to topple Inter on their home turf, Postecoglou, who was appointed to the role last year, was especially impressed with Jesus.

“Jesus’ alertness in the box gave Arsenal a cutting edge to complement their ability to create opportunities from various avenues,” Postecoglou wrote in his report.

“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.”

Postecoglou isn’t the only notable name among UEFA’s Technical Observers for this season’s Champions League.

What is the purpose of the UEFA Technical Observers?

Former England boss Sir Gareth Southgate, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez and ex-Premier League goalkeeper David James are also on the panel among several other major managerial names.

According to UEFA’s site, the purpose of the group is to monitor the governing body’s competitions ‘in depth’, where they will utilise ‘stats and video evidence enabling them to deliver detailed reports on the latest developments in coaching.’

Those notes will then be ‘shared among the footballing community to give a dynamic account of the state of the game.’

Getty

Postecoglou being picked to analyse Arsenal will no doubt serve him well should he choose to return to management via the Premier League.

Postecoglou’s nightmare five months as a manager

The former Socceroos boss has been out of work since he was sacked by Nottingham Forest last October having lasted just 39 days and failing to win any of his eight games in charge.

Postecoglou’s unpleasant stint enshrined him in infamy as the man with the shortest reign of any permanent manager in Premier League history.

The Australian’s departure from the City Ground also marked the second time he’d been sacked in the space of five months having been axed by Tottenham Hotspur despite leading the club to its first major trophy in 17 years.

What else has Postecoglou been up to outside of management?

Along with a brief sojourn to Italy, Postecoglou has been making the most of his time away from coaching.

He was pictured at Cherry Red Records Stadium in Wimbledon taking in the season opener for rugby league side London Broncos against Widnes Vikings.

London Broncos

Postecoglou was pictured sitting next to Broncos co-owner and Australian rugby league legend Darren Lockyer as the London outfit won 44-12.

The 60-year-old has never been shy about supporting Australians in other sporting endeavours either, as he was spotted in a suite at Lord’s watching day three of the second Test during the 2023 Ashes series.

Postecoglou was even interviewed by the late Australian sporting icon Shane Warne in 2021, where they discussed all things football and cricket.