Ange Postecoglou news over the last year has been dominated by his rapid rise and equally rapid exit from Nottingham Forest, followed by a period of reflection away from the touchline. In May 2025 he finished a turbulent but successful spell at Tottenham Hotspur by winning the Europa League, then returned to Premier League management with Forest in September, only to be sacked in October after eight games and four consecutive defeats. Since that dismissal he has been linked with future roles in Scotland and elsewhere while reportedly taking time off in Australia and away from the “brutal” demands of England’s top flight.
This article walks through every major development in Ange Postecoglou’s recent news cycle: his trophies with Celtic and Spurs, the context behind his Forest appointment, the reasons his 39‑day reign failed, and how those events affect his future job prospects. You will also find practical background on his management style, tactical preferences, media comments from those close to him, and a comprehensive FAQ answering the most common “what next for Postecoglou?” questions fans are asking right now.
Timeline of recent news
The most important Ange Postecoglou news from 2025–2026 can be understood through a clear timeline of dates, clubs and key results. At Celtic he had already built a reputation by winning five of six available domestic trophies in two seasons and delivering a treble, which made him a high‑profile candidate when Spurs came calling. In May 2025 he capped his time in north London by winning the Europa League, yet left the club just 16 days later after a poor league finish and boardroom dissatisfaction.
Nottingham Forest moved quickly, announcing him as head coach in early September 2025 to replace Nuno Espírito Santo, whose tenure had also ended abruptly. Forest’s owner Evangelos Marinakis gave him a three‑year deal and publicly talked about making the club a “competitive force for trophies,” citing Postecoglou’s track record with Celtic and Spurs as justification for the appointment. By 18 October 2025, however, a heavy 3‑0 defeat to Chelsea and an eight‑match winless run left Forest in trouble and led to his dismissal just 39 days after arrival.
Nottingham Forest appointment
Ange Postecoglou’s appointment at Nottingham Forest in September 2025 came only hours after the club confirmed the exit of Nuno Espírito Santo, underlining the urgency with which Forest wanted a new direction. Marinakis highlighted Postecoglou’s “proven and consistent record of winning trophies” and specifically referenced his ambition and willingness to build “something special” at the City Ground. Forest’s leadership also pointed to his experience in European competition and ability to coach attacking football at Celtic and Spurs as key reasons for the hire.
The project was sold as a multi‑year rebuild, with European qualification and domestic cup competitiveness among the initial objectives. Expectations were raised by the fact that Forest had recently participated in European football and wanted someone who could establish a clear identity on and off the ball. Postecoglou’s attacking philosophy seemed to fit that vision, promising an aggressive, front‑foot approach rather than survival‑first football.
Why the Forest stint failed
Despite optimism, the short Nottingham Forest stint quickly became one of the most striking negative headlines in Ange Postecoglou news. Over eight Premier League matches, Forest failed to win a single game, and a run of four consecutive defeats culminated in a 3‑0 loss to Chelsea that proved decisive. Reports highlighted that Forest looked fragile defensively and struggled to adapt to his high‑risk attacking structures in a relegation‑threatened situation.
Chairman Evangelos Marinakis’s reaction to the Chelsea defeat was widely reported, with some accounts noting that he left his seat early in apparent frustration and made the decision to dismiss Postecoglou soon after the final whistle. The club announced his departure just minutes after full time, officially ending a three‑year contract after only 39 days. The episode raised questions about whether the squad profile, board patience and existing club culture were ever aligned with his long‑term methods.
Spurs exit and European success
Before Nottingham Forest, Ange Postecoglou’s news profile was dominated by his tenure at Tottenham Hotspur and the Europa League triumph that should have cemented his status in elite European football. During his time at Spurs, he implemented a bold attacking style that at its best delivered high‑scoring performances and restored fan enthusiasm after several more conservative regimes. That journey culminated in May 2025 with a Europa League title, adding a major European trophy to his CV.
However, league form in the latter part of the campaign faltered, and reports suggest that the club hierarchy felt domestic results did not match expectations despite the continental success. Only 16 days after lifting the trophy, Spurs parted ways with him, a decision that surprised many pundits given his recent silverware. That abrupt exit, followed so quickly by the ill‑fated Forest appointment, created the sense of a roller‑coaster year in his managerial career.
Celtic achievements and legacy
Ange Postecoglou’s time at Celtic remains one of the most positive chapters in his managerial story and still features heavily in discussions of his suitability for future top jobs. Across two seasons in Glasgow, he secured five of six available domestic trophies and led the club to a domestic treble, demonstrating the ability to build and sustain a winning side. His team was known for relentless attacking football, positional rotations and an emphasis on high tempo possession.
These achievements have kept his name alive in speculation around future Celtic or Scottish Premiership opportunities, even after his Premier League ups and downs. Some reports in early 2026 suggest he is “firmly in the running” for jobs that could open at the start of the 2026–27 Scottish season, especially if clubs look for a manager with a proven track record of quick, trophy‑winning turnarounds. His success in Scotland is often used as a counterbalance to the narrative of his failed Forest spell.
Current status and break from coaching
Recent Ange Postecoglou news suggests that he is taking a deliberate break from management rather than rushing into another club role. Former players and colleagues have described the last few months of 2025 as “brutal,” referencing the emotional high of a European trophy with Spurs followed by two abrupt exits in the Premier League. He has reportedly stepped back to recharge, spend time with family and reflect on how best to approach his next challenge.
There have been sightings of him back in Australia, including at South Melbourne FC in December, indicating time spent in familiar surroundings away from the European spotlight. Those close to him suggest that he remains ambitious and is open to returning to Britain or Europe once the right project arises, but that he is in no rush. This pause may also help reframe his narrative, allowing potential employers to focus again on his long‑term achievements rather than his 39‑day Forest stay.
Tactical philosophy and style
Ange Postecoglou’s tactical philosophy continues to shape how clubs and fans interpret his recent news and results. Across Celtic and Spurs he has favoured high‑tempo, attacking football, with aggressive pressing, adventurous full‑backs and an emphasis on dominating possession. His teams typically build from the back, accept risk in early phases of play and rely on coordinated movement to create overloads in wide and half‑space areas.
Supporters often praise his commitment to entertainment and bravery, while critics question whether his approach can be adapted to squads that lack technical depth or defensive solidity. The Forest episode, with its defensive vulnerabilities and lack of short‑term results, has fuelled that debate about how flexible he is in crisis situations. Any future appointment will likely hinge on whether a club’s hierarchy truly buys into his long‑term process, including the time needed for players to absorb his demanding system.
Impact on reputation and future jobs
The combination of Europa League success and rapidly successive sackings has created a complex picture around Ange Postecoglou’s reputation. On one hand, he is still regarded as a serial trophy winner, with honours in Australia, Japan, Scotland and Europe that few managers from his background can match. On the other, the Premier League record—especially the 39‑day spell at Forest—raises doubts for some owners about his fit in high‑pressure, results‑driven environments.
Many observers believe that his resilience and charismatic leadership will eventually earn him another major opportunity, whether in the Premier League, Scotland, or another top European league. The main question is whether his next club will give him the structural support and patience that Forest lacked. If he can replicate his Celtic‑level success in one more high‑profile job, the Forest chapter is likely to be viewed as an anomaly rather than a defining failure.
Media commentary and insider views
Former players and analysts have been vocal in Ange Postecoglou news coverage about the demands he faced and how Forest handled his time at the club. One ex‑player, Steven Caulker, has publicly stated that Postecoglou and his staff entered Forest expecting time to implement their ideas at a club with European ambitions. Instead, they found that a lack of patience and mounting pressure meant they never reached the stage where his full system could take shape.
This viewpoint has fed a wider media narrative that Forest’s board misjudged the balance between short‑term survival and long‑term identity building. Pundits argue that if you hire a manager explicitly for a bold, attacking transformation, you must accept short‑term turbulence. The lesson, many suggest, is that any club considering him now must align their expectations, recruitment and timeframes with his philosophy from day one.
Practical information and planning
For supporters and observers wanting to follow Ange Postecoglou news closely, a few practical points help you stay up to date. His most likely next roles, according to current speculation, are in European leagues he already knows—particularly Scotland—or a return to high‑profile jobs in England if the right project emerges. He is not currently attached to any club, which means any negotiations or announcements could come outside normal seasonal hiring windows.
To keep track of developments, fans can monitor official club announcements, reputable sports news outlets and long‑form interviews with players or staff who have worked with him. Expect that most serious links will appear in the build‑up to the 2026–27 season, when clubs reassess managers. In the meantime, his public appearances—whether at former clubs, media events or coaching conferences—may offer hints about his preferred destinations.
What to expect from his next job
When Ange Postecoglou eventually returns to management, you can expect him to bring the same core principles seen at Celtic, Spurs and earlier clubs. That means an emphasis on proactive football, fitness‑intensive pressing and a demand for technically secure players in every line. Supporters of any new club should be prepared for early stages where performances might fluctuate as players adjust to his instructions.
Over time, his sides typically grow into strong attacking units with clear patterns of play and a strong dressing‑room culture. His communication style, both in team talks and media appearances, is usually direct and grounded, which tends to build rapport with fans even when results are mixed. The key will be whether his next employer can give him the runway that Forest did not.
Seasonal and timely angles
Seasonal context matters in understanding Ange Postecoglou news, especially as clubs plan for the 2026–27 campaign. Early 2026 has been relatively quiet in terms of concrete offers, but speculative links intensify whenever under‑pressure managers in Scotland, England or mainland Europe face poor results. Late spring and early summer are likely flash points, when boards traditionally decide whether to stick or twist ahead of pre‑season.
If he does take a role for 2026–27, look for confirmation between May and early July, giving him a full pre‑season with his new squad. His previous successful projects have typically included strong pre‑season preparation to embed his demanding style. Fans tracking his movements around that time—such as attendance at certain clubs’ matches or training facilities—may get early hints about where he is leaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ange Postecoglou now?
As of February 2026, Ange Postecoglou is working for UEFA as a Technical Observer and Match Analyst. He is not currently managing a football club following his departure from Nottingham Forest in late 2025.
Why did Tottenham sack Ange Postecoglou?
Despite winning the Europa League in May 2025, Tottenham sacked Postecoglou because the club finished 17th in the Premier League. The board cited a lack of domestic progress and the lowest point tally in the club’s Premier League history as the reason for the change.
Will Ange Postecoglou return to Celtic?
There is significant speculation in February 2026 regarding a return to Celtic. While the club is reportedly interested, no official agreement has been reached, and Postecoglou has recently focused on his analytical role with UEFA.
What is “Angeball”?
“Angeball” refers to Postecoglou’s specific tactical philosophy, characterized by high-intensity pressing, inverted full-backs who move into midfield, and an extremely high defensive line designed to keep the ball in the opponent’s half.
What was his record at Nottingham Forest?
His tenure at Forest was brief and unsuccessful, lasting only a few months in late 2025 before he was dismissed following a run of poor results that left the club in the relegation zone.
Is Ange Postecoglou still the Australia manager?
No, Postecoglou resigned as the Australia (Socceroos) manager in 2017 after successfully qualifying the team for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
What formation does Ange Postecoglou use?
He almost exclusively uses an attacking 4-3-3 formation, though he occasionally adjusts to a 4-2-3-1 depending on the personnel available in his midfield “engine room.”
Is he considered the best Australian manager?
Statistically and in terms of silverware across multiple continents (Asia, Europe, and Oceania), he is widely regarded as the most successful and influential manager in Australian football history.
What did he say about his Nottingham Forest mistake?
In early 2026, Postecoglou confessed that joining Forest mid-season may have been a mistake, as the squad was not suited to his demanding tactical style and lacked the “direct wingers” he required to make his system work.
Final Thoughts
Ange Postecoglou remains one of the most polarizing and fascinating figures in modern football management. As of February 2026, his journey has taken a scholarly turn with his appointment as a UEFA Technical Observer, where he provides deep tactical analysis for the world’s most prestigious club competitions. This role allows him to remain a student of the game, even as the “Angeball” era at Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest continues to be debated in pubs and boardrooms across the UK.
Postecoglou’s career is defined by a refusal to compromise on his attacking principles. While his high-line defensive strategy and inverted full-backs led to a historic UEFA Europa League title with Spurs in 2025, the same “bravery” contributed to his domestic struggles. Whether he returns to the dugout for a sensational second act at Celtic or takes a new path in international football, Postecoglou has already secured his place as the most successful manager in Australian history and a true visionary of the beautiful game.
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