Ange Postecoglou could be offered a job in the Premier League, with a report out of the UK claiming he’s a “strong contender” to replace Graham Potter at Brighton.
English giants Chelsea stunned the football world last week when they sacked Champions League winning manager Thomas Tuchel, after a record-breaking transfer window.
The Blues spent about £270 million ($461m AUD) on nine different players during the transfer window, but had only won half of their six games to start the season.
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But a 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the UCL was the final nail in the coffin for Tuchel, who was sacked shortly after and subsequently replaced by Potter.
The Seagulls are off to a red-hot start to open their Premier League campaign, with Potter at the helm, surging up to fourth on the league ladder after winning four of their six matches.
But his departure for Stamford Bridge leaves a vacant position at Brighton, with midfielder Adam Lallana having been named an interim player-coach a few days ago.
As the search for a long-term replacement continues, Australian Postecoglou is one of the frontrunners to take up the position, according to The Sunday Times,
“Celtic’s Ange Postecoglou remains under serious consideration by Brighton & Hove Albion as they seek a successor to Graham Potter,” Scottish Football Correspondent Douglas Alexander revealed.
“Contrary to reports that the Australian is not on a four-man shortlist drawn up by the club, he is a strong contender on a longer list of candidates with the club currently doing their due diligence before drawing up a shortlist.
“Brighton have been impressed by the feedback they have received so far on the 57-year-old.
“Not only in how he transformed the team on the pitch last season to win the Premiership title and League Cup, but also his personal qualities, including the calmness he maintained with the media during a difficult start in the job.”
After joining Scottish club Celtic last year, Postecoglou has helped The Bhoys reclaim their status as the dominant force in their domestic league and competitions.
Celtic officially made their return to the Champions League with a 3-0 defeat in Glasgow against European powerhouse Real Madrid, with Postecoglou going head-to-head with super coach Carlo Ancelotti.
A valiant loss to the defending champions, which was marred by missed opportunities, showed just how far they’ve come with Postecoglou in charge.
While his success with Celtic may have caught the attention of Brighton, The Telegraphdon’t believe the 57-year-old will leave the club for another opportunity.
Former Chelsea and Blackburn striker Chris Sutton shares a similar belief about the former Socceroos boss, after he experienced a “rare” reception at Celtic Park on Wednesday.
“Ange Postecoglou was in the midst of something quite extraordinary. In the final stages of the Champions League defeat by Real Madrid, there were almost 60,000 fans on their feet chanting his name,” Sutton wrote for the Daily Record.
“In the cut-throat culture of modern-day football, that’s a rare thing for a manager and something to be cherished and held onto.
“His message afterwards was powerful about repaying that support and building the club up to be in with the elite and properly competing on a regular basis. It’s among the many reasons why I cannot see Postecoglou being interested in a move from Glasgow’s east right now.”
After six games in the Scottish Premier League season, Celtic are currently five-points clear at the top of the table, with rivals Rangers occupying second spot.
