Ange Postecoglou waxes lyrical about Arsenal star he watched after landing new job
Ange Postecoglou was watching on as Arsenal beat Inter Milan at San Siro in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Gabriel Jesus scored twice as Arsenal beat Inter 3-1, extending their perfect record in the Champions League to seven victories.
The Gunners are among the favourites to win Europe’s top competition for the first time in their history, and have already qualified for the last 16.
Postecoglou was sacked by Nottingham Forest in October, after a dismal eight-game tenure saw him fail to win even one game.
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday that Celtic have Postecoglou on their list of targets for a summer appointment, as they look to replace Wilfried Nancy.
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Just seven months ago, Postecoglou had guided Tottenham to Europa League victory in Bilbao.
The Lilywhites beat Man United in the final courtesy of Brennan Johnson‘s winner, ending their 17-year wait for a trophy.
| Ange Postecoglou | Tottenham |
| Wins | 47 |
| Draws | 14 |
| Losses | 40 |
| Scored | 184 |
| Conceded | 157 |
But days later, Postecoglou was sacked by Tottenham. The Australian had led his side to a truly awful Premier League campaign and was replaced by Thomas Frank, despite achieving Champions League qualification.
Frank’s time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season has proven that there were deeper problems than just Postecoglou, but the 60-year-old did not do himself any favours in a terrible period with Nottingham Forest.
The manager is now working as a technical observer for UEFA, and was watching from the stands as Arsenal beat Inter on Tuesday.
Technical observers are appointed to games across UEFA’s competitions to give reports on the latest developments in coaching.
Arsenal fans will love what Postecoglou said about Gabriel Jesus
Jesus has recently returned from an ACL injury that kept him out for almost a year, and the Brazilian has looked to get right back up to speed.
The 28-year-old scored against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium in December, but it was Tuesday’s performance that really stood out.
Jesus reacted well to volley in Jurrien Timber‘s mis-kick in the opening 10 minutes, and he could make no mistake when heading in Leandro Trossard‘s cut-back to add his second.
Postecoglou was present at the game, and wrote for UEFA: “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.”
Mikel Arteta has been left with a decision to make ahead of the visit of Man United on Sunday, with Viktor Gyokeres also scoring and impressing from the bench.